Cricket’s Greatest Comebacks: When Teams Defied the Odds

23 May 2025

Cricket, often called a gentleman’s game, has a way of keeping fans on the edge of their seats. While dominant performances are thrilling, nothing beats the sheer magic of a comeback. The tension, the resilience, the nerves of steel—it’s what makes the sport truly beautiful.

Over the years, we’ve witnessed many jaw-dropping moments where teams clawed their way back from seemingly impossible situations. These are more than just victories; they are stories of determination, belief, and never giving up, no matter how bleak things look.

Let’s relive some of the greatest comebacks in the history of cricket—those unforgettable moments when teams defied the odds and turned the impossible into reality.

1. India’s 2001 Kolkata Miracle Against Australia

When you talk about cricket’s greatest turnarounds, India’s historic win at Eden Gardens in 2001 instantly comes to mind. Facing a dominant Australian side that had won 16 consecutive Test matches, India was forced to follow on after trailing by 274 runs in the first innings. The writing was on the wall—another Australian victory seemed inevitable.

Laxman and Dravid’s Legendary Partnership

Enter VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, two warriors who refused to back down. Their colossal 376-run partnership in the second innings completely changed the game. Laxman’s majestic 281 and Dravid’s gritty 180 ensured India posted a massive total, giving themselves a fighting chance.

Harbhajan Spins a Web

Chasing 384, Australia faltered against the magical spin of Harbhajan Singh, who claimed six wickets in the second innings. India completed a historic 171-run victory, etching their name in cricketing folklore.

It wasn’t just a comeback; it was an emphatic statement that India was ready to take on the giants of world cricket.

2. England’s 2019 World Cup Final – A Comeback for the Ages

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand wasn’t just a match—it was a rollercoaster of emotions.

The Last Over Drama

Chasing 242, England found themselves in deep trouble. With 15 runs needed from the final over, Ben Stokes played the innings of his life. His steady nerves, combined with an extraordinary deflection off his bat for four extra runs, helped England tie the game.

Super Over Madness

Even the Super Over couldn’t separate the two sides. But England was declared winners based on the boundary count rule, making this one of the most thrilling finishes in cricket history. From struggling in the run chase to lifting the trophy, it was a comeback England fans will never forget.

3. The 2016 T20 World Cup Final – West Indies' Brathwaite Blitz

T20 matches are known for their unpredictable nature, and the 2016 final between West Indies and England was a perfect example.

A Tough Chase Becomes a Nightmare

Chasing 156, West Indies found themselves in deep trouble at 11/3. England’s bowlers were all over them, and it looked like their dream was slipping away.

Cometh the Moment, Cometh Brathwaite

With 19 runs needed off the final over, Carlos Brathwaite stepped up and smashed four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes, sealing an incredible victory for West Indies.

The words “Remember the name—Carlos Brathwaite!” echoed around the world, as West Indies celebrated one of the greatest comebacks in T20 history.

4. South Africa’s 438 Run Chase Against Australia (2006)

Chasing 400+ runs in an ODI? Impossible, right? Well, not for South Africa!

The Record-Breaking Chase

In one of the most breathtaking ODIs ever, Australia set a mammoth 434-run target. With Ricky Ponting smashing 164 off 105 balls, it seemed like a match-winning knock.

But South Africa had other plans. Herschelle Gibbs led the charge with a stunning 175 off 111 balls, and Mark Boucher’s composed finishing touch took South Africa over the line with one ball to spare.

This match redefined the art of chasing and proved that no total is ever safe in cricket.

5. Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup Triumph

No list of cricket’s greatest comebacks is complete without Pakistan’s fairy-tale victory in the 1992 World Cup.

From Struggling to Champions

Pakistan was on the verge of elimination in the group stage. They barely sneaked into the semi-finals after rain saved them from an early exit. But once they reached the knockout rounds, they transformed into an unstoppable force.

Cornered Tigers Fight Back

Led by the inspirational Imran Khan, Pakistan defeated New Zealand in the semis before facing England in the final. A brilliant all-round performance, with Wasim Akram’s magical spell and Imran Khan’s captain’s knock, secured their maiden World Cup title.

From near-elimination to lifting the trophy, Pakistan’s 1992 campaign was the ultimate comeback story.

6. Bangladesh’s Stunning Upset Over India in 2007 World Cup

While not a comeback in the traditional sense, Bangladesh’s win over India in the 2007 World Cup was a major underdog story.

The Start of Something Special

India, packed with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly, were expected to brush aside Bangladesh with ease. However, the young Bangladeshi side, led by Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mushfiqur Rahim, put on a spirited performance.

They bowled India out for just 191 and chased down the target with confidence, announcing their entry onto the big stage. It was a victory that shook the cricketing world and forced everyone to take Bangladesh seriously.

7. Sri Lanka’s Historic 1996 World Cup Win

If ever there was a team that turned their fortunes around in a single tournament, it was Sri Lanka in 1996.

From Underdogs to World Champions

Before 1996, Sri Lanka wasn’t considered a serious contender. But led by Arjuna Ranatunga, they played fearless cricket, defeated giants like India and Australia, and scripted an extraordinary World Cup campaign.

In the final against Australia, Aravinda de Silva’s all-round brilliance sealed a famous victory, making Sri Lanka the ultimate comeback kings of that era.

What Makes a Great Comeback?

Comebacks in cricket aren’t just about runs, wickets, or numbers. They’re about belief. They’re about teams refusing to give up, even when the odds are stacked against them. They remind us why we love this sport—because in cricket, as in life, anything is possible.

So the next time your team is down and out, remember these stories. Remember that cricket is a game where miracles happen, and never, ever count out a team until the last ball is bowled.