Top 10 Greatest Cricket Matches of the Last Decade

Cricket has delivered countless unforgettable moments over the past decade. From nail-biting finishes and record-breaking performances to historic upsets and emotional roller coasters, the last ten years have redefined the excitement of the game across all formats—Test, ODI, and T20.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or someone rediscovering the beauty of cricket, here’s a look back at the Top 10 Greatest Cricket Matches of the Last Decade (2015–2025) that had fans on the edge of their seats.

1. England vs New Zealand – 2019 ICC World Cup Final

Date: July 14, 2019
Venue: Lord’s, London

This match wasn’t just a classic—it was arguably the greatest ODI match in history. Both teams ended the regular 50 overs tied at 241. A Super Over followed, which also ended in a tie. England were awarded the World Cup based on more boundaries scored—a rule that has since been removed due to the controversy.

• Ben Stokes’ heroic 84*

• Trent Boult’s boundary catch gone wrong

• The accidental overthrow off Stokes' bat

Drama. Emotion. History. This match had it all.

2. India vs Australia – Brisbane Test, 2021

Date: January 15–19, 2021
Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane

No one expected India, riddled with injuries and missing key players, to defeat Australia at The Gabba, a fortress where Australia hadn’t lost in 32 years. But India, led by the fearless Ajinkya Rahane and young stars like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, pulled off the impossible.

Pant’s 89* in the fourth innings was a masterclass in fearless batting and helped India chase down 328 to win the series 2-1.

3. South Africa vs England – 1st Test, 2020

Date: December 26–29, 2019
Venue: Centurion

While not a final or decider, this Boxing Day Test was one of the finest contests of red-ball cricket. South Africa's relentless bowling attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, outclassed England in a thrilling encounter.

This match stands out for its sheer pace intensity and the swinging momentum across four days.

4. India vs Pakistan – T20 World Cup, 2022

Date: October 23, 2022
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Over 90,000 fans witnessed a legendary clash. Chasing 160, India were in deep trouble before Virat Kohli produced arguably the greatest T20 innings of his career.

His unbeaten 82 off 53, featuring that iconic straight six off Haris Rauf, led India to a last-ball victory. Kohli called it his “best T20 innings,” and few would disagree.

5. West Indies vs England – T20 World Cup Final, 2016

Date: April 3, 2016
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

“Carlos Brathwaite! Remember the name!”

Needing 19 off the last over, Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes to win the title for West Indies. Marlon Samuels also played a crucial hand with his 85*, but Brathwaite's fireworks are forever etched in T20 lore.

It was one of the most dramatic finishes in World Cup history.

6. Australia vs India – ODI, 2020 Series Decider

Date: January 19, 2020
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

India and Australia were tied 1-1 in the series. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne batted beautifully, but India chased down 287 with elegance.

Rohit Sharma’s 119 and Virat Kohli’s 89 were classic knocks. This match showcased modern ODI cricket at its finest—power, class, and strategy.

7. Pakistan vs Afghanistan – Asia Cup 2022

Date: September 7, 2022
Venue: Sharjah

Afghanistan gave Pakistan a real scare in this low-scoring thriller. Needing 11 off the last over with only one wicket left, Naseem Shah smashed back-to-back sixes to win it for Pakistan.

The dramatic finish, emotional reactions, and intense rivalry made this match an instant classic.

8. England vs India – 4th Test, 2021

Date: September 2–6, 2021
Venue: The Oval, London

India bounced back in the series with a sensational performance. Rohit Sharma’s century, Shardul Thakur’s all-round brilliance, and Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell in the second innings helped India take a 2-1 lead in the series.

This match was a statement: India could win abroad—and convincingly.

9. New Zealand vs South Africa – World Cup Semi-final, 2015

Date: March 24, 2015
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

This match had everything: big hits, heartbreak, and heroic performances. Chasing 298 in a rain-affected game, Grant Elliott’s 84 off 73* led New Zealand to their first-ever World Cup final.

The final over, the tears from AB de Villiers, and the joy of the Kiwis made this a semi-final for the ages.

10. Ireland vs England – T20 World Cup 2022

Date: October 26, 2022
Venue: MCG

In a rain-affected group stage game, Ireland stunned England with a five-run DLS win. Andrew Balbirnie’s half-century and excellent bowling helped Ireland defend 157 in unpredictable conditions.

This match was a testament to how cricket has evolved—where so-called "minnows" can punch above their weight and topple giants.

Honorable Mentions

• Bangladesh vs India – Nidahas Trophy Final 2018 (Dinesh Karthik’s last-ball six)

• Sri Lanka vs South Africa – 2019 ODI (Kusal Perera’s stunning 153*)

• Afghanistan vs India – 2019 World Cup thriller

• Scotland beating England in 2018 ODI

Cricket Streams

To relive these legendary moments or catch upcoming live matches from around the world, TotalSportek is your one-stop destination. From Test matches to ODIs and T20 Internationals, TotalSportek offers free, high-quality cricket streams across all formats and series.

Whether it’s a major ICC tournament or a tense bilateral clash, TotalSportek Cricket Streams ensure you never miss a moment of action, no matter where you are.

What Makes a Great Cricket Match?

1. High Stakes

Finals, deciders, and do-or-die games naturally create tension that elevates the experience.

2. Individual Brilliance

Great matches often feature incredible individual performances—from all-round brilliance to pressure-soaked innings.

3. Nail-Biting Finishes

Be it a last-ball six, a Super Over, or a close DLS result, drama in the final moments cements a match's legacy.

4. Emotional Connection

Matches that make you cry, scream, or stand in disbelief tend to stay in memory forever.

Conclusion

The last decade has given cricket fans a treasure trove of iconic matches. These ten games showcase the evolution, unpredictability, and drama of modern cricket. From world-class batting performances to incredible last-over twists, the game has truly reached new heights.

And as cricket continues to grow across all continents, fans can expect even more thrilling moments in the years to come. One thing is certain: the spirit of the game is alive, and its magic shows no signs of fading.