Top 5 moments in ODI World Cup history

The recent retirement of England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes has made the cricketing fraternity question the viability of ODIs in the grueling international calendar. With the emergence of domestic T20 leagues and the significance of red-ball cricket elevated by the introduction of WTC, the future of ODI cricket is hanging by a thread.

But with an ODI World Cup looming large next year, the format is guaranteed to be prolonged until the ICC event. While the consensus is divided on the value of ODIs, one irrefutable thing is the memorable moments that ODI World Cup has produced through the years. Bearing in mind the event next year in India, here are some of the most iconic moments from the prestigious tournament, imprinted in the memories of every cricket fan.

1. Kapil Dev’s catch to dismiss Viv Richards in 1983 World Cup final

India squared up against a star-studded West Indies side in the final of the 1983 World Cup. India’s appearance in the final was not only a shock to the cricketing nation but even to some of the players themselves, as they were not expected to make it out of group stages, let alone be in the final.

But as the underdogs did throughout the tournament, they overcame monumental odds again to get over the line in a dramatic finale against the Caribbean side. While India’s proficient all-rounder Mohinder Amarnath was named the player of the match for his handy contribution with the bat and a decisive bowling performance of 3/12, the match turned with a moment of brilliance from Indian skipper Kapil Dev.

West Indies, the defending champions, were cruising in their chase of 183 and the Indians were under the pump as the mercurial Viv Richards was in a menacing mood before Kapil Dev plucked a sensational catch running from midwicket towards the ropes. The Indian skipper’s catch is one of the most iconic moments in the history of the sport and changed the complexion of cricket in India as they bundled out the two-time champions for 140 to lift a historic maiden title, inspiring generations of cricketers to follow.