10 iconic pictures that defined the Cricket World Cup
The 12th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup is steadily nearing its end, with the likes of India, Australia, New Zealand, and England topping the charts and looking to bag the coveted trophy.
As always is the case, cricket fans bore witness to a string of unforgettable moments that are bound to live on forever in the annals of Cricket history. The history of ICC's premier tournament is chock full of such moments.
Ever since the World Cup came into being in 1975, tons of memorable stills have been recorded on camera for the future generations to look back on and marvel at.
Let's take a stroll down memory lane and take a look at ten iconic images that proved what the World Cup trophy means to the cricketers who strive to give their absolute best and bring glory to their nations by winning it.
#10 Dwayne Leverock's Superman catch against India
Despite Bermuda having not a shred of a chance of winning the cup, it certainly didn't stop this guy from giving his absolute best in the field, resulting in one of the greatest moments in the history of the World Cup. Feast your eyes upon this gem!
#9 A young Kapil Dev lifts the Prudential Cup with a wide smile on his face
In possibly the biggest upset in World Cup history, Kapil Dev and his Indian squad managed to do the unthinkable and rummage through a string of teams to win the World Cup in 1983. India defeated former Champions West Indies in the final in what was being dubbed as a definite one-sider.
The famous win resulted in a young Kapil Dev lifting the cup for India, with the nation becoming one of only two countries to ever win the cup ever since its inception in 1975.
#8 Kenyan team celebrates legendary win over Sri Lanka
Dubbed as being one of the greatest underdog stories in the history of this sport, Kenya's journey through the World Cup 2003 tournament is nothing short of a fairytale.
Its victory over Sri Lanka in the group stage was a huge upset, and Sanath Jayasuriya called it the worst game of his career. The team's celebration after the win was a sight to behold, and showed how much the victory meant to them.
#7 Jonty Rhodes means business
South Africa came out as a surprisingly strong contender to win the cup in its very first appearance in the tournament.
The likes of Alan Donald and Jonty Rhodes helped the nation reach the semifinals, where rain washed away the dream of becoming World Champions in their very first attempt.
This picture of Jonty Rhodes flying in the air to run out Inzamam Ul Haq is one of the most memorable moments in Cricket history, and shows how far he was willing to go to get his hands on the cup.
#6 Sachin Tendulkar accepts the Man of the Tournament award
The finals of the 2003 World Cup saw Australia destroy India without losing a sweat and win the trophy for a second consecutive time.
As a dejected Sachin Tendulkar accepted the Man of the Tournament trophy, he failed to hide the disappointment of coming so close and not delivering for his country in the end.
#5 AB de Villiers in tears as South Africa choke again
South Africa's World Cup woes didn't end in the 2015 edition, as a thrilling semifinal against New Zealand ended with the Proteas choking again.
ABD was an emotional mess, as he realized that this was as close as he would ever get to achieving World Cup glory.
#4 Yuvraj gets emotional as India lift the World Cup
A decade-long career that saw a string of ups and downs, led to this moment, when Yuvraj Singh helped India lift the World Cup by delivering an incredible all-round performance in the tournament. Yuvi couldn't hold his tears after the match, as he was one of the architects of India's 2011 World Cup win.
#3 The realization that it's over
A shocking loss against Bangladesh and another one against Sri Lanka made sure that India wouldn't qualify for the Super 8 round in the 2007 World Cup.
The look on the faces of Indian players was of sadness and dejection, as can be seen in the above image.
#2 Aussies celebrate, knowing that they've won an incredibly close one
In possibly the greatest ODI ever, Australia somehow managed to advance to the World Cup finals as the semifinal encounter against South Africa resulted in a tie.
A sure-shot win for the Proteas turned into a disaster as Alan Donald messed up and got run out in arguably the most heart-breaking moment in South African cricket history.
#1 A satisfied look on Sachin Tendulkar's face as India wins the World Cup
After coming so close to win the coveted trophy in 1996 and 2003, Sachin Tendulkar's dream finally came to fruition as India won the World Cup after 28 years.
As the players carried him on their shoulders, the look of satisfaction on that calm and composed face could be clearly seen.
Also read – World cup winners list
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