10 Best ODI World Cup Performances In Cricket History
Duncan Fletcher vs. Australia in 1983
In Zimbabwe's first-ever World Cup appearance in 1983, captain Duncan Fletcher delivered a spectacular Man of the Match display to shock heavyweights Australia by securing a 13-run victory over them. He first rescued his team's innings with a crucial, unbeaten 69 from 84 balls, before taking 4 wickets for just 42 runs with his medium-pace.
Kevin O'Brien vs. England in 2011
Kevin O'Brien delivered a career-defining performance against England in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup,to help Ireland secure a historic victory over their rivals. Chasing a massive target of 328, O'Brien smashed a hundred off just 50 balls, setting a record for the fastest-ever century in WC history at the time, to help his team win by three wickets.
Aravinda de Silva vs. Australia in 1996
Legendary all-rounder Aravinda de Silva played a huge role in Sri Lanka's maiden World Cup triumph in 1996, delivering an all-round POTM display in the final against Australia. His off-spin dismantled the Australian middle order, as he took 3 wickets for 42 runs, before hitting an elegant 107 runs off 124 balls to guide Sri Lanka to a seven-wicket victory.
Sachin Tendulkar vs. Pakistan in 2003
Against arch-rivals Pakistan at the 2003 ODI World Cup, 'Master-Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar unleashed one of his most aggressive and pivotal innings, scoring 98 runs off just 75 balls in a high-pressure run-chase of 274 runs. He completely dismantled a world-class Pakistani pace attack, which featured Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar.
Martin Guptil vs. West Indies in 2015
Former New Zealand opener Martin Guptill's monumental innings against the West Indies at the 2015 ODI World Cup will be remembered for ages, as it remains the highest individual score by a player in CWC history. He smashed an unbeaten 237 runs off just 163 balls, which included 24 fours and 11 sixes, and led the Kiwis to a colossal total of 393/6.
Glenn McGarth vs. Namibia in 2003
Against Namibia at the 2003 ODI World Cup, Glenn McGrath recorded unbelievable bowling figures of 7/15 in his seven-over spell, which included four maidens. McGarth dismantled the entire Namibian batting line-up, bowling them out for a mere 45 runs, while his bowling performance remains the best in Cricket World Cup history till date.
Ian Botham vs. Australia in 1992
Ian Botham produced a vintage all-round performance against Australia in the 1992 World Cup, delivering career-best ODI bowling figures of 4/31 runs to dismiss the hosts for just 171. Completing his Man-of-the-Match effort, the all-rounder smashed 53 runs off 77 balls, putting on a match-winning 107-run opening partnership with Graham Gooch.
Gary Gilmour vs. England in 1975
In the 1975 World Cup semi-final against England, Australian Gary Gilmour delivered a POTM display, first taking a record-breaking 6/14 with his left-arm swing bowling. He then returned with the bat to score a crucial, unbeaten 28 runs off 28 balls, helping Australia recover from a shaky 39/6 to win by four wickets and secure a spot in the final.
Kapil Dev vs. Zimbabwe in 1983
Kapil Dev delivered one of the greatest ODI innings in a must-win 1983 World Cup match, rescuing India from a dire position of 17/5 against Zimbabwe to score an unbeaten 175 runs off 138 balls. This then-record individual ODI score included 16 fours and 6 sixes and single-handedly propelled India to a match-winning total of 266/8.
Glenn Maxwell vs. Afghanistan in 2023
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was at a historic best against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup, scoring an unbeaten 201 runs off 128 balls to single-handedly rescue Australia from 91/7 and chase down 291 runs. He battled severe cramps and was could not run, yet forged an astonishing 202-run unbeaten eighth-wicket stand with captain Pat Cummins.
