Few moments in cricket carry the weight and drama of a World Cup final. It is the stage where ordinary players become immortal. Where the hopes of billions rest on a single inning.
Some players have crumbled under this weight. But the true greats have risen to the occasion. They have produced innings that defined their careers. Innings that shaped the history of the game itself.
These innings are not just about the runs scored. At IceCric, we have ranked the five most iconic World Cup final innings in cricket history. These are the knocks that will be remembered for generations. The ones that made the heart race.
Top 5 Most Iconic Final Innings According to IceCric
1. Ben Stokes – 84* vs New Zealand, 2019 ODI World Cup Final
Ben Stokes’ unbeaten 84 in the 2019 Cricket World Cup final is the stuff of legend. England were chasing New Zealand’s 241 and found themselves in deep trouble at 86 for 4. Stokes walked in and anchored one of the most dramatic chases in sporting history. He farmed the strike brilliantly and kept his composure under immense pressure. He remained at the crease for the final dramatic moments.
England needed 15 runs from the final over. Stokes hit a six and then benefited from a freak deflection off his bat that went for four overthrows. That tied the game and forced a Super Over. His innings of 84 not out came off 98 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes. This innings was not just about the runs. It was about the unshakable nerve Stokes displayed in the most pressure filled situation imaginable. It is widely considered one of the greatest innings in the history of the sport. Stokes delivered England their first ever World Cup trophy.
2. MS Dhoni – 91* vs Sri Lanka, 2011 ODI World Cup Final
Chasing 275 to win the World Cup on home soil India were in a spot of bother at 114 for 3. Captain MS Dhoni promoted himself up the order and played a calculated and aggressive innings. He took the attack to Sri Lanka’s spinners and paced the chase to perfection. He finished the game in style with a massive six over long on. This was a captain’s knock under the most intense scrutiny imaginable.
India had not won a Cricket World Cup in 28 years and the entire nation was watching. Dhoni scored 91 not out off 79 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. Former England captain Mike Atherton compared this innings to Clive Lloyd’s legendary 1975 final knock. He called it one of the greatest innings ever played by a captain in a World Cup final. This knock fulfilled the dreams of a billion Indian fans.
3. Viv Richards – 138* vs England, 1979 Final
West Indies were wobbling at 99 for 4 in the 1979 World Cup final at Lord’s. Viv Richards who was known for his aggression played a surprisingly measured knock. He curbed his natural instincts to anchor the innings with patience and maturity. He scored 138 not out off 157 balls with 11 fours and 3 sixes.
His 139 run partnership with Collis King broke England’s spirit completely. He finished the chase with a massive six off the last ball. This was not about brute force. It was about control and maturity under the brightest lights. Richards secured a second consecutive World Cup for the West Indies. This innings was a masterclass in knowing when to attack and when to absorb pressure.
4. Adam Gilchrist – 149 vs Sri Lanka, 2007 Final
The 2007 World Cup final was reduced to 38 overs per side due to rain. Adam Gilchrist walked out and simply destroyed the Sri Lankan attack from ball one. He scored 149 off just 104 balls with 13 fours and 8 sixes. This was the highest individual score in a World Cup final. It was also the fastest century in a final.
Against a world class bowling attack featuring Muralitharan, Vaas and Malinga he was relentless. His onslaught broke Sri Lanka’s spirit before they even batted. Many consider this the greatest ODI innings ever played. Gilchrist’s knock was the ultimate statement innings in the ultimate game. It was a display of pure power and dominance.
5. MS Dhoni – 91* vs Sri Lanka, 2011 Final
India were chasing 275 in the 2011 World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium. After losing both openers early Dhoni promoted himself up the order. It was a bold and unexpected move. He played a calculated and composed innings and took on Sri Lanka’s spinners with confidence. He scored 91 not out off 79 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes.
He finished the match with a massive six over long on. Under the weight of a billion expectations on home soil Dhoni delivered a captain’s innings for the ages. Mike Atherton compared it to Clive Lloyd’s 1975 masterpiece. It was not just about the runs. It was about ice cold nerves and tactical genius. Dhoni finished the job with the biggest shot of his career. This was a nation’s dream fulfilled.
FAQs
Q. Who had the most iconic final innings?
A. Ben Stokes had the most iconic final innings.
Q. What did MS Dhoni score in the 2011 final?
A. Dhoni scored 91 not out against Sri Lanka.
Q. How many runs did Adam Gilchrist score?
A. Gilchrist scored 149 against Sri Lanka.
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