Shocking Indian Wins in ODI World Cups
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The Indian team has come a long way since their dubious first two editions. From refusing to get moving in a chase of 335 to scaling new heights, India is well and truly a strong contender for every World Cup. There have been times not just in 1983 when the side was a rank outsider, but also later when a winning it seemed was beyond India’s reach. India has battled many such odds and has come out on top. These victories have shaped their campaigns and have left a lasting impression on cricketing fans. Let us look at details on Shocking Indian Wins in ODI World Cups.
We look at a few such shock Indian wins in ODI World Cups:
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#3 India vs Pakistan, 1996
The co-hosts for the 1996 World Cup met in the quarterfinals. India and Pakistan had met only once before in the World Cup (1992). The result in that game went in India’s favour. But in 1996, the World Cup defending champions, Pakistan, was a different team altogether. They were easily amongst the top two sides in the world. Pakistan had players for all conditions. India despite playing at home started as underdogs against Pakistan. Winning the toss, opting to bat, India was in a decent position up until 45 overs.
Ajay Jadeja, batting in the middle order took matters in his own hands from this juncture. He hammered arguably the finest ODI bowler of that time, Waqar Younis, to all parts of the ground. India finished with 288 runs on the board. Pakistan despite starting strong fell short of the target. India’s dominant win was unexpected and hence remains special!
#2 India vs Australia, 2011
It was supposed to be India’s toughest assignment in the 2011 World Cup. India as they took on 3-time consecutive champions, Australia in the quarterfinal at Ahmedabad. The last time the two sides met in a World Cup was the 2003 World Cup final. Australia had hammered India then. In fact all there previous 3 outings before this quarterfinal resulted in one-sided wins for Australia. The most successful side in the tournament history had not lost a single knockout game since the 1996 World Cup. India was clearly fighting history!
Australia chose to bat first and posted a par score of 260. India at one stage during the chase appeared tentative having lost 5 wickets. But the pair of Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina saw them through. India notched up a famous win ending Australia’s continued dominance in the World Cup. It was a major win considering the opponents, the situation, and the stakes!
#1 India vs West Indies, 1983
The odds for India winning the World Cup in 1983 read 1-66. There was logic behind this too as India had just won a single game (East Africa) across the first two editions. They had a new captain, Kapil Dev but there wasn’t any expectations from the side. But India started their campaign with a bang. They stunned the defending champions, West Indies in the first match of the 1983 World Cup. This win gave India the feeling that they belong at this level. India went from strength to strength in the World Cup. They managed to win a game after being reduced to 9-4 and 17-5.
India came up against the West Indies once again in the finals. Put into bat, India was bundled out for 183. It was expected that the West Indies would canter towards the target. But Indian bowling and fielding put in a lion-hearted performance to stop the Windies’ juggernaut. India bowled West Indies for 140. They created history at Lords’ winning their maiden World Cup. India’s win changed the world order in cricket!
