Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
Top 5 Cricket Matches of the Decade: 2010-2019 | Best Cricket Matches of the Decade | Best Matches of Cricket in the Decade 2010-19
Written by Robin Rounder and Charbel Coorey
It is pretty incredible to believe that the decade of 2010-2019 is set to come to an end. We witnessed nine ICC tournaments (three fifty-over World Cups, four T20 World Cups and two ICC Champions trophy) in this decade.
In that time, there were some incredible international matches that we will remember for decades to come. It was quite difficult to pick the top five cricket matches of this decade, but we have had a go below.
5. India vs Bangladesh (2016 World T20)
This was a do-or-die match for India. They were in trouble after scoring a below-par total of 146 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Bangladesh, who India were expected to beat, appeared to cause another World Cup 2007-sized headache with 11 required from the final over.
After two fours from the first three balls from Mushfiqur Rahim, it looked all over for India. However, he infamously celebrated too early, and Hardik Pandya picked up two wickets in the next two balls, leaving Bangladesh needing two from the final ball.
Shuvagata Hom missed and MS Dhoni ran all the way to break the stumps before Mustafizur grounded his bat. India pulled off an incredible win by one run to progress into the Semi Final.
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4. New Zealand vs South Africa (2015 ICC CWC)
This match will be remembered for raw emotions and passion for the game. South Africa came up against an in-form Kiwi side, who hadn’t yet lost a game in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
They posted a good total of 281 runs batting first, despite the Auckland rain interrupting. New Zealand had a revised target of 298. The Black Caps lost wickets regularly at key stages, but, ultimately, South Africa missed some key chances that will stay with them and their fans. It was amazing drama.
With five needed off two deliveries, hero Grant Elliott smacked a six off Dale Steyn to win the match for Kiwis. Ian Smith was beside himself in the commentary box, as was the crowd of 50,000 at Eden Park.
Elliott finished on 84* and was deservedly Player of the Match in one of the greatest ODIs of all-time. But, an image that sticks in the mind is Elliott, in a moment of euphoria, choosing to help a dejected Steyn off the ground.
3. Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 1st Test 2019
This was a historic match; one that will never be forgotten.
Sri Lanka landed in South Africa with no one but their most passionate fans believing they could compete. The Lions had just completed a two-Test series in Australia, where they were beaten so comprehensively that Australia barely raised a sweat.
But, Sri Lanka found themselves at 206/5 chasing 304 for victory in the first Test. They could dream of a stunning win. However, this dream threatened to turn into a nightmare, having lost 4/20 to just about seal their fate.
However, a Kusal Perera masterclass (153*), arguably the best innings of all-time, got Sri Lanka home. He smashed South Africa’s premier bowlers to all parts of Kingsmead. Sri Lanka got home by one wicket, with the scratchy, yet able support of Vishwa Fernando (6*) at the other end.
2. The Ashes 3rd Test, 2019
Another Test match. This time the Ashes.
After wrapping up Australia for 179 in the first innings, England were rolled for an embarrassing 67 in response at Headingley.
Then, after Australia scored 246 runs in their second dig, England had an extremely tough target of 359 runs to win. England started well but then lost four quick wickets and looked out the game. At 286/9, the Ashes were all-but-gone.
But, like the World Cup Final weeks before, Ben Stokes was still at the crease. So, England were a chance. He turned the heat on Australia, who didn’t know how to react, en-route to one hell of an innings (135*) to triumph by the barest of margins, with Jack Leach at the other hand having made the best 1* in history.
This is a Test match that will be talked about for decades to come, courtesy of one of the greatest Test knocks of all-time in the Summer of Stokes.
1. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Final
The best ODI of all-time. And Ben Stokes was at the centre of it. When the final ball was bowled (both in standard and Super Over stages), no one knew who was going to win.
This game had everything. Action. Drama. Roller-coaster of emotions. You name it.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a total of 241 runs. It certainly wasn’t a big total by today’s ODI standards, but runs on the board in a final is a different ball-game.
It proved to be the case. England’s chase ebbed-and-flowed. Regular wickets, including big guns Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan, had the potential to see the game slip away.
But, as long as Ben Stokes was there, England had a chance. And what an innings he played. He put everything he had into every shot he played, ran hard, dived home time and time again (with one resulting in four overthrows off his bat). Amid the chaos, he stood tall.
If the final drama wasn’t enough, the game went into a Super Over. New Zealand, chasing 16 to win, hit 15, but lost the game on a boundary count.
It was a controversial issue, but enough has been discussed about it. The game of cricket itself was one of the best. This was not only the best of the decade but it was the best ODI ever played in cricket history.
If we ever witness a game of cricket like this again, we’d certainly be very lucky.
So, these were our top five matches of the decade. Are there any you’d add?
Thanks for reading!
Written by Robin Rounder and Charbel Coorey
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