Most Thrilling Last-Over Finishes in Cricket

Last overs carry a very distinct sense of drama and excitement. There are only a handful of sports that can pack so much excitement, that you cherish every moment, and cricket is one of them. Without any further ado, here are a few of cricket’s most breathtaking last-over finishes.

Historic One-Wicket Victories

We can turn our attention to a game when, in 2000, the West Indies chased 313 against the Pakistanis whilst losing nine wickets. Courtney Walsh’s words lol pray not to play are utterly in this case. For cricket betting fans, these last-minute, ‘impossible’ occurrences are unplanned surprises that keep us addicted to the sport. The fact that this game was even played is jaw-dropping. 

In the 2010 Mohali miracle, VVS Laxman was seen here as the star in the match against Australia, surely defeating them despite an injury and being unable to walk. VVS Laxman, alongside India, won the winning prize, making all fans never forget all these jaw-dropping moments.

Unexpected Underdog Wins

Not all triumphs happen as expected. Some are acts of sheer rebellion:  

• Ireland vs. Pakistan (2007 World Cup): Ireland, containing part-timers, defeated one of the fancied World Cup teams. 
• Netherlands vs England (2009 T20 WC): The Dutch side stunned England at the Lord’s. On the first day of the tournament, people did not expect this to happen.  
• Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka (Asia Cup 2022): Afghanistan’s openers mauled a seasoned Lankan attack during the Powerplay.  
• Kenya vs. West Indies (1996 World Cup): Kenya bowled out West Indies for 93 runs. The crowd was in shock, and silence engulfed it. 

The world was stunned.  

Final-Over Showdowns in T20 World Cups

When everything matters in the final over, T20 becomes a battle for the nerves, in World Cups, pressure mounts even higher. A single hit could change everything. melbetindia shares recaps and behind-the-scenes content for the viewers watching the action, showcasing the madness after the matches. These are not matches but madness, wonder, and pure betting madness.

2016 T20 World Cup – Carlos Brathwaite’s Four Sixes

The West Indies were chasing an improbable target of 19 runs in the final over. England’s Ben Stokes was gearing up, calm and confident. Carlos Brathwaite had different plans in mind. He sent the first ball of the over into the stands. And then the second. And the third. Each shot is louder than the previous. Brathwaite’s last six was a walk-off-winning shot. 

Brathwaite went from cricketer to everyone’s favourite meme in hours. People rejoiced, while he was constantly reminded that the West Indies had collapsed. The West Indy bench players bolted out of their seats and cheered. We witnessed a beautiful, wonderfully violent, and poetic miracle in four clean shots in mere seconds.

2022 T20 World Cup – Virat Kohli’s Classic

India was up against the wall, requiring 31 runs with only 12 balls remaining to chase against Pakistan. That is, until the ‘Kohli way’ said it was more than possible. Kohli belted a gigantic six off Rauf’s very first over, which left many in disbelief but finally gave India some respite.

Throughout the match, Nawaz of Pakistan lost control of the game. Kohli’s incredible 82* turned the match around for India, while Ashwin scored the winning run on the last ball. This wasn’t a stroke of luck, but sheer brilliance and composure in stressful moments.

Super Over Nail-Biters

A tense moment is heightened when a match is pushed to a Super Over. The World Cup finals in June 2019 are regarded as one of the most surreal moments in sporting history, when England claimed victory in eight “boundaries” and decided the match in a Super Over. The final game was not without any suspense, as it had a shocking ending that kept us on the edge of our seats.

In 2020, one IPL match between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians went into not one but two Super Overs! The never-ending intensity caused by Super Overs has raised the excitement in cricket to new heights, giving an effort unmatched by the excitement and drama in the game.

When Cricket Turns Into Pure Theatre

No other moment captures this blend of humanity and theatrical elation like the final overs of the inning. People are crying, players are openly breaking down, fans are on the verge of losing it, and the betters are keeping their fingers crossed. Magic happens, and for a short period, time feels suspended. It’s the reason we cherish them interminably.