The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) has brought renewed excitement and relevance to Test cricket, uniting the cricketing world under a structured format and providing fans with unforgettable moments. Since its launch in 2019, the WTC has showcased the best of the longest format of the game. Several matches have stood out due to their thrilling finishes, individual brilliance, and intense rivalries. In this blog, we look back at the Most Memorable Matches in ICC World Test Championship that have left a lasting impact on fans worldwide.
- England vs Australia – Headingley, 2019
One of the most iconic matches in the ICC World Test Championship took place during the Ashes series at Headingley, Leeds. This game had everything a cricket fan could wish for — tension, drama, and a heroic individual performance.
Why It’s Memorable:
Chasing a target of 359 runs, England looked down and out at 286/9. Enter Ben Stokes, who played one of the greatest innings in Test history. Stokes’ unbeaten 135, combined with a resilient last-wicket stand of 76 runs with Jack Leach, saw England pull off a miraculous one-wicket victory. This nail-biting finish had fans on the edge of their seats and highlighted the pure drama of Test cricket.
Key Moments:
- Ben Stokes’ audacious hitting, including a reverse sweep for six off Nathan Lyon.
- Jack Leach’s composed defense, scoring just 1 run in the partnership.
- Australia’s missed chances, especially a crucial run-out opportunity.
- India vs Australia – Brisbane, 2021
The match at the Gabba in Brisbane will forever be etched in cricketing history. This game concluded an extraordinary Test series where India overcame injuries, setbacks, and fierce Australian opposition to clinch a memorable series victory.
Why It’s Memorable:
Chasing 328 in the fourth innings, India’s young brigade led by Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Washington Sundar scripted a historic win. The Gabba fortress, where Australia hadn’t lost a Test since 1988, was finally breached.
Key Moments:
- Shubman Gill’s classy 91 set the tone for the chase.
- Rishabh Pant’s fearless 89* off 138 balls guided India to victory.
- Mohammed Siraj’s five-wicket haul in Australia’s second innings.
This match epitomized resilience and determination, making it one of the Most Memorable Matches in ICC World Test Championship.
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- New Zealand vs India – WTC Final, 2021
The inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final between New Zealand and India was a historic occasion held at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The match lived up to its billing, giving Test cricket fans a fitting finale.
Why It’s Memorable:
In challenging conditions, both teams fought hard, but New Zealand’s composure and teamwork ultimately won the day. The game’s climax came when Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor guided the Kiwis to victory with a calm and measured chase of 139 runs.
Key Moments:
- Kyle Jamieson’s brilliant 5/31 in India’s first innings.
- Devon Conway’s steady 54 in the first innings.
- Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 52* in the run chase.
This win gave New Zealand their first-ever ICC title, making it an unforgettable match in the history of the championship.
- Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Galle, 2022
The Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Galle was a rollercoaster of emotions and a perfect example of why Test cricket remains enthralling. This match had incredible batting performances, sharp bowling, and a chase that kept fans glued to their screens.
Why It’s Memorable:
Set a daunting target of 342, Abdullah Shafique anchored a remarkable chase with a superb 160*. His innings, full of grit and patience, ensured Pakistan pulled off a stunning four-wicket win on Sri Lankan soil.
Key Moments:
- Prabath Jayasuriya’s 9-wicket haul in the match for Sri Lanka.
- Abdullah Shafique’s composed innings in challenging conditions.
- Pakistan’s resilience in a tough chase on a turning pitch.
This thrilling win highlighted Pakistan’s fighting spirit and Shafique’s rise as a future star.
- West Indies vs Bangladesh – Chattogram, 2021
This clash between West Indies and Bangladesh was a classic underdog story. The young West Indies team, missing several senior players, delivered one of the most unexpected victories of the ICC World Test Championship.
Why It’s Memorable:
Chasing 395 in the fourth innings, debutant Kyle Mayers played an innings for the ages. His unbeaten 210 powered West Indies to a jaw-dropping three-wicket win, marking one of the highest successful chases in Test history.
Key Moments:
- Kyle Mayers’ double century on debut — a rare and historic feat.
- West Indies’ determination despite being the underdogs.
- A sensational run chase against a strong Bangladeshi spin attack.
This match reminded everyone of the unpredictable magic of Test cricket.
Conclusion
The ICC World Test Championship has reinvigorated Test cricket, producing games that blend skill, drama, and raw emotion. The Most Memorable Matches in ICC World Test Championship demonstrate why this format still holds a special place in the hearts of cricket fans. Whether it’s Ben Stokes’ heroics at Headingley, India’s historic win at the Gabba, or New Zealand’s triumph in the WTC Final, these moments showcase the beauty and brilliance of Test cricket.
As the WTC continues, fans can look forward to more unforgettable matches and iconic moments. Each game tells a story of perseverance, teamwork, and the sheer unpredictability of cricket. Here’s to more thrilling encounters and memorable victories in the years to come!
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