Here's a look at India's top Cricket World Cup matches
The ICC World Cup 2019 gets underway from Thursday. 2011 champions India would eye to lay hands on their third title. Having won the trophy in 1983 and 2011, India are being deemed as favorites, courtesy of their consistency and star-studded team. Being no different than the previous editions, we take a look at India's best World Cup matches to date.
1983: An unlikely victory against Zimbabwe
The 1983 World Cup saw India doing the unimaginable, and it all started against Zimbabwe. India were struggling at 17/5 when skipper Kapil Dev played a heroic 138-ball 175, as India reached a total of 266. In reply, it was Dev and Madan Lal's lethal bowling which ensured India register a historic win, prior to their World Cup triumph, a fortnight later.
1983: A world champion out of nowhere
The win against Zimbabwe instilled enough confidence in the Indian side as they continued their fine run. In the final, the Indian fans witnessed yet another thriller. After being bundled for 183, nobody thought the final would go Men In Blue's way. It was once again Madan, along with Mohinder Amarnath, who tormented the Windies batsmen to shock the two-time champions.
2003: Taming arch-rivals for the fourth time
The 2003 edition saw arch-rivals India and Pakistan squaring off at Centurion. Having lost on the previous three occasions, Pakistan were hoping for a turnaround this time. Batting first, Pakistan posted an above par total of 273, riding on Saeed Anwar's brilliant century. However, their hopes were dashed, as it was Sachin Tendulkar's commendable 98, which made sure that India were fourth time lucky.
2011: Unable to break the deadlock against England
The 2011 World Cup saw a stone-cold thriller when India took on England in Bangalore. Batting first, riding on Tendulkar's brilliant 120-run knock, India posted a massive total of 339. However, the track at Chinnaswamy had some more entertainment in store, this time for England. Skipper Andrew Strauss played a heroic innings of 158, followed by Ian Bell's controversial call-back, as scores remained level.
2011: India bring the World Cup home for second time
Having outlasted almost every team, including defending champions Australia, India were left with one last task of taming the mighty Lankans in 2011 final. Being played in Mumbai, Lanka posted a total of 274, courtesy Mahela Jayawardene's unbeaten 103. In reply, India did struggle, but Gautam Gambhir's patient 97, followed by skipper MS Dhoni's unbeaten 91, ensured that India scripted history at Wankhede.
