The “Man of the Match” awards in ODI Cricket World Cups have been bestowed upon players whose performances have stood out in the high-stakes and intense atmosphere of the tournament. Here’s an interesting description highlighting some of the iconic Man of the Match awardees and their contributions:
1975 ODI Cricket World Cup: Lord’s: WestIndies v/s Australia
In the 1975 Cricket World Cup final, held at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, Clive Lloyd played a crucial and historic innings for the West Indies against Australia. Lloyd’s innings in that match is considered one of the most iconic and impactful performances in Cricket World Cup history.
In the final, Clive Lloyd scored a magnificent century, playing a captain’s innings that helped propel West Indies to a formidable total. Here are the details of Clive Lloyd’s innings in the 1975 World Cup final:
- Player: Clive Lloyd
- Innings: 102 not out of 85 Balls with 12 fours and 2 sixes
Lloyd’s innings played a key role in guiding West Indies to a total of 291 for 8 in their 60 overs. His aggressive and authoritative style of play set the tone for the West Indies innings and provided the foundation for their victory in the inaugural Cricket World Cup. West Indies went on to win the match by 17 runs, and Clive Lloyd’s innings in the final played a crucial part in securing the historic title for his team.
1979 ODI Cricket World Cup: Lord’s: WestIndies v/s England
In the 1979 Cricket World Cup, Vivian Richards, one of the legendary cricketers from the West Indies, had a significant impact with his aggressive and dominant batting performances. The final of the 1979 World Cup was played at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, and West Indies faced England in that match. Vivian Richards played a memorable innings in the final. Here are the details of his innings in the 1979 World Cup final:
- Player: Vivian Richards
- Innings: 138 not out of 157 Balls with 11 fours and 3 sixes
Richards’ spectacular innings played a crucial role in guiding West Indies to a formidable total. His aggressive and authoritative batting style was on full display, and he dominated the English bowlers. This innings by Vivian Richards proved instrumental in West Indies winning the 1979 Cricket World Cup.
West Indies posted a total of 286 for 9 in their 60 overs, and England, in response, managed to score 194 runs. The West Indies team, under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd, secured their second consecutive World Cup title with a dominant performance, and Vivian Richards’ innings in the final was a key highlight of that tournament.
1983 ODI Cricket World Cup: Lord’s: India v/s WestIndies
In the 1983 Cricket World Cup final, played at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, India faced the West Indies. Mohinder Amarnath played a pivotal role in India’s historic victory in that final. Here are the details of Mohinder Amarnath’s performance in the 1983 World Cup final:
- Player: Mohinder Amarnath
- Innings: 26 runs (not out) of 80 Balls, 3/12 in 7 overs
While Amarnath’s innings might not seem flamboyant in terms of runs scored, his contribution went beyond the scorecard. It was his crucial all-round performance, particularly with the ball, that stood out in the final.
In the West Indies’ innings, Amarnath bowled a crucial spell, taking three wickets for just 12 runs in his seven overs. His accurate and impactful bowling helped India restrict the West Indies to a modest total of 140 runs.
Amarnath’s all-round contribution, both with the ball and with a steady and patient innings during India’s chase, played a crucial role in India’s historic win. India successfully chased down the target, scoring 183 for 6 in 54.4 overs. Amarnath’s efforts earned him the nickname “Jimmy” and the honor of being named the Man of the Match in the final, contributing significantly to India’s first Cricket World Cup victory in 1983.
1987 Cricket World Cup: Eden Garden: Australia v/s England
The 1987 Cricket World Cup final took place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, and it was contested between Australia and England on November 8, 1987. Australia emerged victorious in a closely-fought match to win their first Cricket World Cup title.
David Boon’s innings of 75 runs was a crucial contribution in Australia’s total. Despite a spirited chase by England, Australia successfully defended their total, and the match became one of the memorable World Cup finals in cricket history.
1992 Cricket World Cup: MCG: Pakistan v/s England
Wasim Akram played a crucial role in the 1992 Cricket World Cup final, which took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. Pakistan faced England in that final, and Wasim Akram’s performance proved to be a turning point in the match.
Here are the key contributions of Wasim Akram in the 1992 World Cup final:
Batting:
- Wasim Akram came in to bat at number eight for Pakistan.
- He scored an unbeaten 33 runs off just 18 balls, including three fours and one six.
- Akram’s quick and impactful innings at the end of Pakistan’s innings helped them post a competitive total.
Bowling:
- Wasim Akram was the captain and a key bowler for Pakistan.
- In his bowling spell, Akram took three crucial wickets for 49 runs in 10 overs.
- His wickets included important dismissals, contributing to restricting England to a manageable total.
1996 Cricket World Cup: Lahore: Srilanka v/s Australia
In the 1996 Cricket World Cup final, Aravinda de Silva played a memorable and match-winning innings for Sri Lanka. The final was held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, and it was contested between Sri Lanka and Australia. Aravinda de Silva’s remarkable performance was instrumental in Sri Lanka winning their first Cricket World Cup title. Here are the key details of Aravinda de Silva’s innings in the 1996 World Cup final:
Aravinda de Silva’s Innings:
- Runs: 107* (not out)
- Balls Faced: 124
- Fours: 13
- Sixes: 1
Aravinda de Silva played a crucial role in guiding Sri Lanka to a challenging total after they lost both their openers early in the innings. His innings was composed, filled with elegant strokes, and showcased his ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
1999 Cricket World Cup: Lord’s: Australia v/s Pakistan
Shane Warne played a crucial role in the 1999 Cricket World Cup final, which took place at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. The final was contested between Australia and Pakistan. Shane Warne’s performance in that match, particularly with the ball, played a significant role in Australia’s victory.
Shane Warne’s Bowling Performance:
- Overs: 9
- Runs: 33
- Wickets: 4
- Economy Rate: 3.67
Warne’s spell in the final was instrumental in restricting Pakistan to a modest total. He took key wickets, including those of dangerous batsmen. His variations and ability to deceive batsmen with his leg-spin proved to be crucial on the big stage.
2003 Cricket World Cup: Johannesburg: Australia v/s India
In the 2003 Cricket World Cup final, Ricky Ponting played a spectacular innings, leading Australia to a comprehensive victory over India. The final took place at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ricky Ponting’s performance in this match is often remembered as one of the finest innings in a World Cup final.
Ricky Ponting’s Innings:
- Runs: 140* (not out) including 8 Fours 4 sixes
- Balls Faced: 121
Ponting’s innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play, impeccable timing, and a dominating presence at the crease. His century in the final played a pivotal role in Australia setting a formidable total.
2007 Cricket World Cup: Lord’s: Australia v/s Pakistan
In the 2007 Cricket World Cup final, Adam Gilchrist played a match-winning innings for Australia against Sri Lanka. The final took place at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Adam Gilchrist’s innings was instrumental in Australia’s victory, securing their third consecutive World Cup title. However, the match was affected by rain, and the result was determined by the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Adam Gilchrist’s Innings:
- Runs: 149 runs including 13 Fours 8 sixes
- Balls Faced: 104
Gilchrist’s innings was a display of aggressive and powerful batting. He took the Sri Lankan bowling attack apart, scoring runs at a rapid pace and leading Australia to a commanding total.
2011 Cricket World Cup: Mumbai: India v/s Srilanka
In the 2011 Cricket World Cup final, played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India, MS Dhoni played a captain’s knock that will be etched in cricket history forever. India faced Sri Lanka in the final, and MS Dhoni’s innings was a defining moment that secured India’s victory and their second Cricket World Cup title.
MS Dhoni’s Innings:
- Runs: 91* (not out) including 8 Fours and 2 sixes
- Balls Faced: 79
Impact on the Final:
- MS Dhoni played a calm and composed innings under pressure, coming in at a crucial juncture with India chasing 275 runs.
- His partnership with Gautam Gambhir (97) was crucial, steadying the innings and laying the foundation for the victory.
- Dhoni finished the match in style by hitting a six, securing India’s World Cup win after 28 years.
2015 Cricket World Cup: Lord’s: Australia v/s New Zealand
James Faulkner played a significant role in Australia’s campaign during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. The tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, and Australia emerged as the champions by defeating New Zealand in the final. Faulkner, known for his all-round abilities, made notable contributions with both bat and ball during the tournament.
Key contributions by James Faulkner in the 2015 Cricket World Cup:
- Batting:
- Faulkner showcased his finishing skills in the lower order.
- Notable performances with the bat included a crucial innings of 50* (not out) against Bangladesh in the group stage and an important 21* (not out) against Pakistan in the quarterfinal.
- Bowling:
- Faulkner played a vital role as a medium-fast bowler for Australia.
- He picked up wickets in key matches, contributing to Australia’s success in the tournament.
- Notable bowling performances included a 3‑wicket haul against England in the group stage and 3 wickets against India in the semifinal.
- Final:
- While Faulkner did not have a significant impact with the bat in the final against New Zealand, he bowled economically, taking 3 wickets for 36 runs in his 9 overs.
- Australia went on to win the final, clinching the World Cup title.
2019 Cricket World Cup: Lord’s: England v/s New Zealand
In the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final, played at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, England faced New Zealand in a thrilling match that ended in a tie after both the regular 50-over innings and the Super Over. England was declared the winner based on the boundary count tiebreaker rule.
Ben Stokes played a pivotal role in England’s pursuit of the target and during the Super Over. Here are the key aspects of Ben Stokes’ performance in the 2019 World Cup final:
Ben Stokes’ Batting Performance (50 Overs):
- Runs: 84 (not out) with 5 Fours and 2 sixes
- Balls Faced: 98
Stokes played a crucial innings under immense pressure, anchoring the run chase for England. His partnership with Jos Buttler was instrumental in England getting close to the target of 242 runs.
Ben Stokes’ Super Over Performance:
- Stokes was one of the two batsmen chosen to bat for England in the Super Over.
- He scored 8 runs in the Super Over, helping England set a target of 16 runs for New Zealand to win.