The Cricket World Cup is the sport’s biggest stage, where legends are made, hearts are broken, and history is written with every ball. While every edition has its own charm, certain final matches stand out for their drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.
In this article, we revisit the Top 10 Most Memorable Cricket World Cup Finals — spanning both men’s and women’s cricket — that have captivated fans around the globe. These are games that delivered high-pressure performances, nail-biting finishes, and iconic cricketing moments.
1. England vs New Zealand – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2019
- Venue: Lord’s, London
- Result: Tie (England won on boundary count in Super Over)
Arguably, the most dramatic cricket match ever played. England and New Zealand ended both the match and the Super Over tied, leading to the first-ever World Cup decided on a boundary count rule with Memorable Cricket.
Ben Stokes’ gritty 84* and Jofra Archer’s nerve in the Super Over created a final that will be debated for decades. The match sparked rule changes and remains the ultimate example of cricket’s unpredictability with Memorable Cricket.
2. India vs Sri Lanka – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2011
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Result: India won by 6 wickets
The 2011 final was historic as India became the first team to win a World Cup on home soil. Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and MS Dhoni’s match-winning six sealed the victory, ending a 28-year wait for the trophy.
Sachin Tendulkar’s last World Cup appearance added emotional weight, making it a fairytale ending for the Indian legend Memorable Cricket.
3. Australia vs Pakistan – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 1999
- Venue: Lord’s, London
- Result: Australia won by 8 wickets
Australia dominated from start to finish, with Shane Warne’s 4/33 dismantling Pakistan for just 132. The Aussies chased it down with ease, beginning their era of World Cup dominance.
Warne’s spell is still considered one of the greatest in a final, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage Memorable Cricket.
4. England vs Australia – ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final 2017
- Venue: Lord’s, London
- Result: England won by 9 runs
Anya Shrubsole’s record-breaking 6/46 helped England snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Chasing 229, India seemed set for victory before Shrubsole turned the match around.
This final boosted women’s cricket globally, drawing a record crowd and inspiring a new generation of players Memorable Cricket.
5. West Indies vs England – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 1979
- Venue: Lord’s, London
- Result: West Indies won by 92 runs
Viv Richards’ unbeaten 138* and Collis King’s explosive 86 stunned England. Joel Garner’s devastating 5/38 finished the job, sealing West Indies’ second consecutive title.
Richards’ innings remains one of the finest in World Cup history, blending flair with dominance Memorable Cricket.
6. Australia vs England – ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final 1988
- Venue: Melbourne, Australia
- Result: Australia won by 8 wickets
In front of a home crowd, Australia chased down 128 with clinical efficiency. Lyn Fullston’s economical bowling and Lindsay Reeler’s batting were key highlights.
This match solidified Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket, setting the tone for decades of success Memorable Cricket.
7. India vs West Indies – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 1983
- Venue: Lord’s, London
- Result: India won by 43 runs
India pulled off one of the greatest upsets in cricket history. Defending just 183, Kapil Dev’s men bowled out the mighty West Indies for 140.
Kapil Dev’s iconic running catch to dismiss Viv Richards remains one of the most replayed moments in cricket.
8. Australia vs New Zealand – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2015
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Result: Australia won by 7 wickets
Mitchell Starc’s first-over dismissal of Brendon McCullum set the tone for Australia’s dominance. The Aussies chased down 184 with ease, winning their fifth title.
The match was a celebration of Australian cricket’s aggressive style and professionalism.
9. England vs Australia – ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final 1993
- Venue: Lord’s, London
- Result: England won by 8 runs
This was one of the tightest women’s finals ever. England defended 195, with Jo Chamberlain’s bowling and Jan Brittin’s batting leading the way.
It was a landmark match in women’s cricket, proving that finals could be just as tense and exciting as the men’s game.
10. Sri Lanka vs Australia – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 1996
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
Aravinda de Silva’s all-round brilliance — 107* with the bat and 3 wickets — guided Sri Lanka to their first-ever World Cup title.
This final marked the rise of Sri Lanka as a cricketing powerhouse, with their attacking batting style redefining the one-day game.
Why These Finals Stand Out
These memorable Cricket World Cup finals aren’t just about the trophy; they are about moments that live forever in the sport’s history. Whether it’s last-over drama, a dominant team performance, or a career-defining individual effort, these matches have inspired millions.
From Kapil Dev’s 1983 miracle to Ben Stokes’ 2019 heroics, they prove that the World Cup final is cricket’s ultimate test of skill, mental strength, and composure