Hello, fellow Sports Enthusiasts,
Cricket is not just a sport between two teams; it's a battle of skills, strategy, and capitalizing on clutch moments. Although the game has transformed over the decades, it has never failed to impress us or leave us with unforgettable moments.
So, through this series, I will present some of the most iconic cricket matches that have made fans jump out of their seats. Let's remember those legendary games once a week.
2005 was a special year for the Cricket World, as a unique cricketing event was held in Australia. At the time, the Australian team was dominant after winning consecutive World Cups in 1999, and 2003. They were simply the nightmare of the opponent; for me, that team was the perfect team ever. You will agree me after reading this article.
ICC brought together an all-star World XI team from all other countries to challenge the dominant Australian team. First, look at the World XI team. This is the ODI team and, Graeme Smith from SA captained the Test team, which included Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mark Boucher. If you are a Cricket fan, you know the legacy of all these players, individually. They were simply amazing and easily can be categorized into the legendary tag.
On the other hand, Aussies are not less scarier under the captain Ricky Ponting.
There were 03 ODI matches and one Test match. So, what do you think happened? Eventhough the world expected a close encounter, the series ended up being one-sided, with Australia convincingly defeating the World XI in all four matches. They humiliated the World team in every department.
- The ODI series was held in Telstra Dome, Melbourne. After winning the toss, the Aussies decided to start the batting in the first match. Adam Gilchrist and Katich got a good start scoring 80 runs in 14 overs. But from there in the middle overs, World XI did well in restricting the flow of runs and taking regular wickets. The Aussies scored 255/8 after the 50 overs.
Anyway the World XI batters were never in the chase. The top order failed. Sehwag, Kallis, Lara, Dravid, and Pietersen were in the dugout for single digits. Sangakkara scored a fifty but eventually ended up scoring just 162 runs experiencing a 93-run defeat.
- Australia started the batting and the start was even better, adding 110 runs. Anyway, this time they were able to continue the rhythm and went for a big score. Gilchrist put a 73-ball ton, and Ponting and Damien Martyn scored fifties. With a quick show from Symonds Aussies put in a total of 328/4.
The chase was started well, with Gayle and Sangakkara scoring fifties. They were at 125/1 after 16 overs. But from there the rest couldn't carry it with regular wickets and ended up losing by 55 runs.
- Australia won the toss and elected to bat first in the Third time as well. They had some trouble at the start. But with a fifty from Ponting, and a 155-run unbeaten partnership from Watson, and Hussey they put a total of 293/5.
But it was too much. Brett Lee and Watson destroyed the opponent. They were all out for just 137 runs 27.5 overs. So, finally, WorldXI was clean-swept by the Hosts. Adam Gilchrist became the player of the Series.
Anyway, a strong comeback was expected at the only Test match in Sydney. But it may be the biggest letdown for the series.
- Once again, batting first Australia scored 345 in the first innings. We saw a brilliant century from Hayden and 94 runs from Gilchrist. Andrew Flintoff took 4/59. WorldXI struggled to put in just 190 runs. Only Shewag and Kallis scored some respectable runs.
As the response Aussies added another 199 runs, giving a massive target of 354. The reply was even worse from the WorldXI, scoring just 144 runs. Australia won the match by 210 runs
So, the series ended up proving the supremacy of the Australian team at the time.
See you at the next episode!! You can always suggest a match to discuss in the next episode.
src - 2005 ICC Super Series
ICC World XI tour of Australia 2005/06
Thank you.
Best Regards!
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