Cricket is a game of uncertainty, and nothing embodies this more than a nail-biting last-over finish. Over the years, fans have witnessed some of the most thrilling encounters where the match’s fate was decided in the final over. These unforgettable last-over thrillers in cricket history showcase the sport’s unpredictability, from iconic World Cup finals to intense T20 clashes.
England vs New Zealand – ICC World Cup 2019 Final
The Unforgettable Super Over
The 2019 ICC World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord’s is widely regarded as the most dramatic cricket match ever. The match ended in a tie, leading to an intense Super Over that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Ben Stokes’ Heroics
Ben Stokes played a match-winning knock, scoring 84* to bring England within touching distance of victory. A critical moment came in the last over when a throw deflected off Stokes’ bat, awarding England crucial runs.
The Super Over Drama
With 16 runs needed in the Super Over, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill attempted a final run but was run out, leading to England’s victory based on the boundary count rule. This historic last-over finish secured England’s first-ever World Cup trophy.
India vs Bangladesh – T20 World Cup 2016
A Stunning Collapse
In this dramatic T20 World Cup match, Bangladesh required just 2 runs from 3 balls but lost 3 wickets in as many deliveries, resulting in one of the closest last-over finishes in T20 history.
Hardik Pandya’s Clutch Bowling
Hardik Pandya held his nerve in the last over, dismissing Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah off consecutive balls.
MS Dhoni’s Lightning-Fast Stumping
On the last delivery, MS Dhoni’s quick glovework ran out Mustafizur Rahman, sealing an unbelievable 1-run victory for India.
Australia vs South Africa – 1999 World Cup Semi-Final
The Most Heartbreaking Tie
One of the most controversial last-over finishes in cricket history occurred in the 1999 World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston.
Lance Klusener’s Brilliance
With South Africa needing 9 runs off the final over, Lance Klusener smashed two boundaries, leveling the scores.
The Self-Destructive Run Out
However, a disastrous mix-up between Klusener and Allan Donald led to a dramatic run-out, resulting in a tie. Australia advanced to the final based on their superior net run rate, leaving South African fans heartbroken.
Pakistan vs India – Asia Cup 2014
Shahid Afridi’s Unbelievable Finish
This India vs Pakistan thriller remains one of the greatest last-over chases in Asia Cup history.
Junaid Khan vs Ravichandran Ashwin
With Pakistan needing 10 runs in the final over, Ravichandran Ashwin seemed poised to win the game for India. However, Afridi had other plans.
Afridi’s Two Massive Sixes
With 9 needed off 4 balls, Shahid Afridi smashed Ashwin for consecutive sixes, securing a dramatic 1-wicket victory for Pakistan.
West Indies vs England – T20 World Cup 2016 Final
Carlos Brathwaite’s Magical Over
The 2016 ICC T20 World Cup final witnessed one of the most incredible last-over finishes in cricket history.
19 Runs Needed Off the Last Over
Chasing 156, West Indies needed 19 off the final over against Ben Stokes. Enter Carlos Brathwaite.
“Remember the Name!”
Brathwaite launched four consecutive sixes off Stokes, sealing a famous victory for the West Indies. Ian Bishop’s iconic commentary, “Remember the name, Carlos Brathwaite!” captured the emotion of the moment.
Conclusion
These last-over thrillers in cricket history prove why the sport is so captivating. Whether it’s a World Cup final, a high-pressure semi-final, or a legendary T20 finish, the drama and intensity of these moments have made them unforgettable. Fans continue to relive these games, searching for the best last-over finishes and memorable cricket encounters.
FAQs
Q1. What is the most famous last-over finish in cricket?
Ans. The 2019 ICC World Cup final between England and New Zealand is widely considered the most famous last-over finish.
Q2. Which player has the best last-over performance in cricket history?
Ans. Carlos Brathwaite’s four consecutive sixes in the 2016 T20 World Cup final remain one of the greatest last-over performances.
Q3. Has there ever been a tied final in cricket?
Ans. Yes, the 2019 ICC World Cup final ended in a tie and was decided by a Super Over, which also tied. England won based on the boundary count rule.
Q4. Which bowler has defended the lowest total in the last over?
Ans. Lasith Malinga has defended low totals in the last over multiple times, including defending 6 runs against New Zealand in 2019.
Q5. What is the highest total chased in the last over of a T20 match?
Ans. West Indies’ chase of 19 runs in the final over of the 2016 T20 World Cup final remains one of the highest successful last-over chases in cricket history.