2019 has been a year full of records, controversies, milestones, disappointments, and some magical moments (literally, remember Tabraiz Shamsi’s magic wand trick). Some moments evoke emotions, some bring tears of happiness, and some leave us in daze. As the year comes to a close, MyTeam11 has handpicked a few iconic moments that left the cricket fans awestruck.
Ben Stokes’ phenomenal performance in Ashes
This year belonged to the English talisman, Ben Stokes. Before we could forget his epic 84-runs knock in the World Cup, he made us believe yet again that he is perhaps of one of the greatest all-rounders and truly a legend in making. Stokes played the best Test innings of all time by scoring unbeaten 135 runs and his unbroken final-wicket stand of 76 with Jack Leach guided England to victory at Headingley in the third Ashes Test.
England won their first World Cup
It was the final match between England and New Zealand at Lord's cricket ground in London, England on July 14, 2019. Touted as the greatest match in ODI history, it was not only the first time England won the cricket World Cup. But also the first time when the world champions were declared based on maximum boundary count. Surprisingly, England is the only country which has hosted the world cup five times and lost 3 finals.
England displayed the most aggressive performance in the final against their opponent New Zealand, but the latter did not exactly lose. The match was tied at the end of 50 overs, ending up with a Super Over which was again a tie and then ultimately, England won, taking the boundary count into consideration.
India scripted history down under
After clinching the victory in the three-match ODI series 2-1, Indian skipper Virat Kohli lauded his team and said, "2019 has been one of the best years for Indian cricket”. It is indeed! If we take a look back at India’s stats this year, the team has won seven of the eight Tests they played, with one ending in a draw. Out of 28 ODI matches and 16 T20Is, they have registered 19 and 9 victories respectively. India also reached the semi-finals of the World Cup 2019.
But one series that forever etched in every Indian cricket fan’s heart was India’s historic maiden Test series win down under. This epochal moment was witnessed worldwide as the Men in Blue stepped on the Australian soil with an expectation of bringing the trophy home. And they actually did it! India won the 4-match series 2-1 after the last Test was drawn in Sydney.
They created history by becoming the first side from the country to win a Test series on the land of kangaroos. The touring sides have been struggling to wipe the Aussies in their homeland, but it did not happen because of the tough conditions. Thanks to the year 2019, as it brought the most priceless moment in the history of Indian cricket.
India’s first-ever day-night Test
A magnificent spectacle was witnessed in Kolkata when the entire city turned pink to mark the occasion of India’s first Day-Night Test that was to be played between India and Bangladesh at Eden Gardens. This happened just after a few months Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket, was appointed as the new President of BCCI. First day-night Test was a landmark moment for Indian cricket. The significance of pink-ball, or ‘pink cherry’ as it is fondly called, was understood with these matches as pink ball has better visibility during the night as compared to the read balls.
Also Read: CRICKET AUSTRALIA REVEAL THEIR TEST XI OF THE DECADE
Dhoni’s dismissal from World Cup semi-finals
When India entered the semi-final of World Cup, all eyes were on the Men in Blue to grab the World Cup trophy. But Indian team could not maintain their momentum against New Zealand. There was only one person who could become a saviour and that was, the former captain MS Dhoni, as the team was on the verge of losing the game. But when Dhoni was run out, it was the final nail in the coffin and the hopes of cricket fans were shattered. When Martin Guptill ran him out with a direct hit, the whole crowd was in utter shock and there was pin-drop silence all around as they saw Dhoni walking back to pavilion.
