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4 of the greatest World Cup innings of all time

Ricky Ponting of Australia in action at the 2003 World Cup
Ricky Ponting of Australia in action at the 2003 World Cup

The ICC Cricket World Cup, the platform where champions are born, has given us memories to savour as well as heart-breaking moments to mourn. It is where a player can turn into an overnight hero, and become immortal in the eyes of cricket lovers.

Several legends of the game have played miraculous innings in various World Cups, and their names have been written with gold letters in the history books. They have played innings that have turned games on their heads, and have changed the course of history.

The mega-event is here again, and the ICC World Cup 2019 promises to be another blockbuster. With just a few months left for the action to start, let's turn back the clock and remember four of the greatest World Cup innings of all time.

(The list is arranged in no particular order).

# Kapil Dev: 175 not out vs Zimbabwe, 1983 World Cup

Kapil Dev of India
Kapil Dev of India

1983 was a magical year in Indian cricketing history. The victory at the World Cup gave India the belief to beat big sides on the big stages. It gave Indian cricket the recognition it needed around the world.

The man at the helm of affairs during this defining moment was none other than India's greatest ever all-rounder, Kapil Dev. Regarded as the greatest ODI innings by another Indian stalwart, Sunil Gavaskar, this performance was like a dream.

The chips were down when India were reduced to 17 for 5 by a potent Zimbabwean bowling attack. It was a must-win game for India if they wished to enter the semifinals. Then came out the great man with a swagger around him.

Without worrying too much about the consequences, he blasted the bowlers to all parts of the ground. The world would have written India off, but Kapil had different ideas. His 175 off 138 balls, including 16 boundaries and 6 sixes, took India to 266/8 in 60 overs.

No one could believe what they were seeing. It was a counter-attack of the highest order.

Zimbabwe were then bowled out for 235, allowing India to win the game and enter the semi-finals. This was a victory that told the Indians that they belong there, and that they were meant to achieve big things.

The confidence the team gained through that victory was instrumental in India's eventual march to the title.

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