Top 10 Cricket Matches at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
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In the heart of Mumbai, where dreams collide and fervour reaches celestial heights, stands the legendary Wankhede Stadium—a theater of cricketing ecstasy. Amidst the cauldron of emotions, this sacred ground has borne witness to innumerable epic battles, each weaving its own mesmerizing tale.
Located in the financial capital if the country, it is one of the most iconic cricket grounds in the country. With a seating capacity of over 33,000 spectators, it has witnessed numerous historic and thrilling cricket matches over the years. From intense battles between arch-rivals to high-scoring encounters, Wankhede Stadium has been the stage for some unforgettable moments in cricket history.
In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 cricket matches that have taken place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
1. India vs Sri Lanka – ICC ODI World Cup Final – 2011
The Wankhede Stadium witnessed an unforgettable moment in cricket history as India clinched their second ODI World Cup title in 2011. Chasing Sri Lanka's challenging total of 274, India found themselves in a precarious position after early dismissals. However, Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni orchestrated a crucial partnership that turned the tide. With Gambhir falling agonizingly close to a century, it was Dhoni's unbeaten 91 that propelled India to victory. His iconic six off Nuwan Kulasekara's bowling will forever resonate with every Indian fan, etched in their collective memory.
2. India vs West Indies - 3rd Test – 2011
In a Test match that held little significance in terms of series outcome, India and West Indies delivered a pulsating encounter at the Wankhede Stadium. With the series already sealed by India, this dead rubber unexpectedly transformed into a captivating spectacle. West Indies posted a mammoth 590 in their first innings, with Darren Bravo's sublime century leading the charge. In response, R Ashwin's maiden Test ton helped India narrow the deficit. The visitors crumbled for 134 in their second innings, setting India a target of 243. Amidst fluctuating fortunes, the match culminated in a rare thrilling tie as India clinched the series 2-0.
3. India vs Australia – 4th Test – 2004
In a series already lost, India had nothing but their pride to defend against Australia. Australia handed Nathan Hauritz his Test debut while India introduced Gautam Gambhir and Dinesh Karthik to the team. India's first innings crumbled to a mere 104. In response, Anil Kumble and Murali Kartik retaliated, restricting Australia to 203. A daunting 99-run lead seemed insurmountable, but Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman fought back with half-centuries and somehow helped India set a target of 107 . In a dramatic turn of events, Harbhajan Singh picked a fifer and and Murali Kartik nagged three wickets and bowled the visitors out for a paltry 93 to hand India a thrilling 13-run victory.
4. Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals - IPL 2014
Mumbai Indians performed a miraculous chase against Rajasthan Royals in an IPL 2014 match. Needing 190 runs in just 14.3 overs to qualify for the playoffs, MI achieved the target in time. Corey Anderson's whirlwind 95 off 44 balls set the platform. Aditya Tare's last-ball six made the impossible possible, leading to an exhilarating finish. The thrilling encounter marked one of the greatest chases in IPL history.
5. India vs England – 6th ODI – 2002
England staged an exceptional comeback to claim victory by 5 runs against India in a gripping conclusion to a series tied 3-3, . With a powerful 95-run contribution from Marcus Trescothick and a crucial 40 from Andrew Flintoff, England set a challenging target of 255. Despite early setbacks, Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly took the reins, setting India on a strong course towards victory. However, England initiated a spirited fightback after Ganguly's dismissal. Flintoff shone in a fiery final over, securing a run-out and dismissing Javagal Srinath to clinch the match in a momentous finish. This game would later be remembered for Flintoff’s exuberant shirtless celebration, famously mirrored by Ganguly at Lord's during the Natwest Tri-series final later in the year.
6. England vs South Africa - T20 World Cup – 2016
England chased down a colossal total of 229 runs set by South Africa in what was a scintillating T20 match. Openers Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock, along with JP Duminy, propelled South Africa to 229. England responded fiercely, amassing 50 runs within 3 overs. Despite early losses, England persisted with Joe Root's explosive 83 off 44 balls leading the charge. Even though South Africa clawed back towards the end, England clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory, in what was a true spectacle of T20 cricket.
7. India vs England – 2nd Test - 2012
In a match that remains a poignant memory for Indian fans, England remarkably turned the tables on India. Opting for a spin-friendly pitch after a decisive victory in the first Test, India's strategy spectacularly misfired. Despite Cheteshwar Pujara's 135 leading India to a first innings total of 327, centuries from Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen gave England a valuable 87-run lead. The formidable duo of Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar exploited the turning track, dismissing India for a mere 142 in the second innings. Needing just 57 runs to win, England's openers led a straightforward chase, drawing the series level at 1-1.
8. India vs Australia – ICC ODI World Cup - 1996
India relied heavily on Sachin Tendulkar in the 1996 World Cup group stage match against Australia. The Aussies, propelled by Mark Taylor's fifty and Mark Waugh's 126, posted 258, despite five run-outs affectedd by sharp Indian fielding. The Master-Blaster kept the Indian chase alive with aggressive boundary hitting, building a formidable partnership with Sanjay Manjrekar. However, the fall of Tendulkar to Mark Waugh turned the game's tide in Australia’s favour. This was followed by Damien Fleming's five-wicket haul, leading to Australia securing a 16-run victory. While the loss didn't hinder India's progress to the semi-finals, both India and Australia eventually lost to Sri Lanka in the knockout stages.
9. India vs Australia – 7th ODI – 2007
In what was a riveting low-scoring ODI, Murali Kartik delivered a career-best performance against Australia at Wankhede, bagging six wickets and restricting the visitors to 193. Despite a promising start, Australia succumbed to Kartik's spin magic. India's chase began miserably, losing early wickets, including Sourav Ganguly and Dinesh Karthik. However, a determined partnership between Robin Uthappa and Harbhajan Singh, followed by a solid 52-run stand by tailenders Zaheer Khan and Kartik, propelled India to a thrilling 2-wicket victory. Although the series was lost, India managed to secure a memorable victory.
10. India vs South Africa – 1st Test – 2000
India and South Africa grappled on a challenging pitch in the first Test of a two-match Test series at Wankhede. Sachin Tendulkar shone for India, contributing 97 runs and capturing three wickets to secure a 49-run lead in the first innings. However, a potent combination of Shaun Pollock and Hansie Cronje dismantled India's second innings, restricting them to a meagre 113. South Africa's pursuit of 164 saw them comfortably placed before a late surge by Indian bowlers, led by Anil Kumble. Despite the spirited comeback, South Africa nervously clinched the match by four wickets, eventually sweeping the series 2-0.
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