Cricket, along with soccer, is one of the most popular outdoor sports in the world. Originated in the British islands long back in the 17th century, Cricket slowly but surely spread to the nook and corner of the globe. Its often been said that this royal game traveled with the British imperialism. It is actually quite incredible that the game of Cricket is now more popular outside the English soil. It has grown in popularity in many parts of Asia, especially in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The bulk of revenues for the International Cricket Council are generated in the Asian subcontinent alone. The International Cricket Council (ICC) lays down tremendous emphasis on the growth and development of Cricket in Asia and other parts of the world, especially North America. International tournaments are arranged throughout the year, involving the major test playing countries. Among all the international tournaments, nothing comes even remotely close to the World Cup Cricket games. In terms of magnitude and team participation, the World Cup Cricket games are indeed special. Since the ICC assumes full responsibility to organize the Cricket World Cup in an interval of every four calendar years, this tournament is also referred to as the ICC Cricket World Cup.
The most crucial aspect of the Cricket World Cup games is related to its format. In majority of cases in other international Cricket tournaments, all the participating teams do not get an opportunity to play all the opponents. Hence, the true potential of a team goes unexamined. But in the Cricket World Cup games, almost all the participating contenders play one another. Since a lot of national as well as professional pride is at stake in the World Cups, the teams often give their best to outsmart each other. The television viewership is also enormous whenever there is a Cricket World Cup going on. Millions of viewers keep themselves glued to television sets all around the world. As the tournament nears the culmination, the tension and excitement grow among the lovers of the game.
Browse through the following list of some of the greatest games in the World Cup Cricket:
India vs. West Indies (1983 World Cup final) This match witnessed the emergence of India as a leading cricketing power in the world. Under the leadership of Kapil Dev, India performed a near miracle when they defeated the mighty West Indians in the final. India batted first to score a paltry 183, but managed to keep the West Indian total well below the winning target.
England vs. Australia (1987 World Cup final) This match played at the gorgeous Eden Gardens in Kolkata bore testimony to an infamous occasion in the history of the World Cup. As England was cruising to victory after Australia set them a target of 254 in 50 overs, the English great Mike Gatting attempted an injudicious stroke and got himself out in a ridiculous manner. England paid dearly by losing the match by 7 runs.
South Africa vs. Australia (1999 World Cup Semi Final) According to many critics and cricket lovers, this match played at Edgbaston in Birmingham easily tops the list of the great Cricket games ever played. All the elements that make Cricket what it is were there to be found and appreciated in this match.
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