There are only a few countries that seriously play cricket. Cricket is not widely spread as a global sport like football, and its fanfare is only enjoyed in certain parts of the world. Many great rivalries between national teams characterize world football. However, it does not mean cricket has no share of great rivalries. A few fierce rivalries have been born over the decades due to the zeal for the game, and in this article, five of them will be discussed. Let’s proceed with the list.
The rivalry between England and South Africa began flourishing in the 1990s, following South Africa’s return to Test cricket after a two-decade hiatus. While their encounters in white-ball cricket have produced some great matches, the Test series between these two nations truly stands out. The stark difference in playing conditions adds a fascinating element to their clashes. South Africa’s fast and bouncy tracks sharply contrast England’s wet and swinging conditions, posing challenges that both teams must overcome. Despite the divergent conditions, England and South Africa continue to relish this enduring rivalry.
The rivalry between Australia and New Zealand may lack the bitterness of an India-Pakistan clash, but there is no shortage of competitive fire between these trans-Tasman neighbors. Australia has traditionally held the upper hand, assuming the role of a dominant force in cricket. However, New Zealand’s cricketing prowess has surged in recent years, culminating in their victory in the inaugural ICC Test Championship. Although Australia has prevailed in significant encounters such as the 2015 ODI World Cup final and the 2021 T20 World Cup final, New Zealand’s progress indicates an evolving rivalry that promises thrilling battles for years to come.
The rivalry between Australia and India has gained prominence over the last two decades, particularly after the unforgettable Test series in 2001. Since then, India has emerged as a formidable opponent, consistently posing stiff challenges to the Australians across different formats of the game. Both teams have faced difficulties winning Test series on each other’s soil, with Australia claiming victory in India in 2004 and India securing their first-ever series win in Australia more recently.
This captivating rivalry extends to World Cups, where India’s triumph over Australia in the 2019 edition marked a significant milestone. With the growth of India’s cricketing prowess and Australia’s sustained brilliance, this rivalry has become one of the most captivating in world cricket.
Read more: Top 5 Richest Indian Cricketers
The rivalry between India and Pakistan extends beyond the boundaries of cricket, encompassing historical, political, and socio-cultural tensions. These fierce encounters between the two nations evoke passionate emotions among players and fans. While bilateral Test series has been absent for the past 15 years, the intensity of their clashes in major white-ball cricket competitions remains unparalleled. India has historically held the upper hand, particularly in World Cups, where they have never suffered defeat against Pakistan.
However, the tides turned in the recent T20 World Cup, with Pakistan emerging victorious over their arch-rivals. Despite the absence of regular bilateral matches, the India-Pakistan rivalry continues to captivate the world and remains the most fiercely contested and cherished rivalry in cricket.
The oldest rivalry in cricket, dating back to the late nineteenth century, is embodied by the clashes between Australia and England, famously known as the Ashes. This historic Test series continues to captivate cricket lovers worldwide, symbolizing the fight for the small urn. With Australia often introducing innovations to the sport and England adhering to a more conservative approach, this rivalry has witnessed iconic moments that will forever be etched in fans’ memories. While Australia dominated the rivalry in the 1990s and early 2000s, England has since regained some pride and secured notable victories. The Ashes remain the pinnacle of this rivalry, cementing its status as the most prominent contest in world cricket.
For more stories, click here.
The Indian Premier League is a popular cricket league that is held every year and…
Known for its exciting games and explosive batting, Indian Premier League has undeniably established itself…
MS Dhoni is considered one of the most successful and prominent figures in Indian cricket…
With a net worth of $1.1 billion, Pearl Kapur has become India’s youngest billionaire at…
The Indian markets rallied to all time high levels and did well than most stock…
ICC ODI World Cup 2023 has begun in India with the best teams in the…