Sportstar's all-time sports classics: '83 World Cup win, Liverpool's UCL heroics

As the coronavirus continues to affect sporting events across the globe, we take a look at five classic matches from the past that are worth revisiting.

One for the history books |Andrew Flintoff consoles Brett Lee after England won the 2nd Ashes Test Match by two runs at the Edgbaston cricket ground on August 7th 2005 in Birmingham.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced cancellations or postponements of most major leagues while the ones that are still running have been closed to spectators.

If the lack of sporting action has left a void in your day, here's something to satiate that hunger - our pick of five classic matches from the years gone by that you should revisit.

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1.England vs Australia, Second Ashes Test, Birmingham, 2005: It was the second Test of the memorable Ashes series of 2005. Needing 111 to win with two wickets in hand, Australia nearly pulled it off. 1176 runs, 40 wickets, a run rate of 5 an over almost right through, 18 sixes and 143 fours. It sparked a buzz in Britain that lasted until the conclusion of the series.

Needing 111 to win at Edgbaston with two wickets in hand, Australia nearly pulled it off. However, England had the last laugh.

2. Australia vs South Africa, Semifinal, World Cup 1999: A remarkable ODI contest, widely recognised as one of cricket's most memorable games. Lance Klusener's run out with one delivery remaining and one run left to win meant it was a tie. “I said to Allan (Donald), ideally I would like to hit another boundary and seal it that way. But I also said that if we could get a single somewhere we should take it as well. I could not score off the third," Klusener later told this publication. Australia qualified for the final on the basis of its position in the Super Six points table.

Members of the Australian team celebrate after winning a pulsating semifinal against South Africa.

 

3. India vs West Indies, World Cup Final, 1983: India's first World Cup win. Kapil Dev's catch to dismiss Viv Richards, Mohinder Amarnath's bowling – evergreen moments for an Indian cricket fan. India’s 24-year-old captain Kapil Dev tried to find ways of proving his all-round ability; he succeeded largely by scoring 303 runs and taking 12 wickets at 20.41. He evoked awe and admiration with his 175 not out against Zimbabwe at Tunbridge Wells.

India skipper Kapil Dev lifts the World Cup after his team beat the West Indies at Lords in the 1983 final.

 

4. India vs South Africa, Hero Cup Semifinal, 1993: Sachin Tendulkar bowled the final over, and South Africa, needing six runs, could score only three as India came out on top in front of a boisterous Eden Gardens crowd in Kolkata. “When in Kolkata we used to hear a joke frequently — ‘Pehle do wicket lelo, baki ke aath wickets crowd le leta hai’ (first take the first two wickets, the remaining eight will be picked up by the crowd),” Tendulkar later said. “The experience to see the entire the stadium lit with torches was truly out of this world. They stay with you for the rest of your life,” Tendulkar added.

Sachin Tendulkar being hugged by Ajay Jadeja and wicket-keeper Vijay Yadav after India won the Hero Cup semifinal against South Africa at Eden Gardens.

 

5. Liverpool vs AC Milan, Champions League Final, 2005: After trailing 3-0 against AC Milan at half time, Liverpool first managed to draw the game 3-3 at full-time, ultimately winning the game 3-2 on penalties to take the Champions League title. This was the Reds' first final since 1985.

This was the Reds' first final since 1985.

(This is a part of a daily series where Sportstar's correspondents will pick their five favourite sporting moments worth revisiting. Reader contributions are welcome. Send in your picks to sportstar@thehindu.co.in )