Cricket’s most iconic rivalries: clashes that defined eras

Like any other sport, cricket has some big rivalries. However, these rivalries often have political or geographical roots and are always intense. These roots, and others, have brought about rivalries between nations that have always been heated on the cricket pitch. Here are some of the top cricket rivalries that have defined eras.

India vs. Pakistan 

It is no surprise that one of the biggest rivalries in cricket is the one between India and Pakistan, with a long-running history of political tension. The first Text between the two nations came in 1952, not long after they split from India in 1947, becoming a sovereign nation. Many fans attend and watch the intense action whenever these fierce rivals meet. This is especially seen when they meet in the bigger competitions such as the Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup. When these teams met in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, held in England and Wales, 800,000 people applied to get tickets to the match. 

India has been the top dog over their rivals from the north, bagging six major trophies, with Pakistan winning three. 

India 

• Cricket World Cup (2) 
• T20 World Cup (2)
• Champions Trophy (2)

Pakistan 

• Cricket World Cup (1) 
• T20 World Cup (1)
• Champions Trophy (1)

One of the great things about this massive rivalry is that whenever there is a Test, you can be sure there will be tons of Mostbet bet options at one of India’s top sportsbooks. 

​​England vs. Australia 

This rivalry, which is known as The Ashes, is arguably the biggest one in the cricket world. The first Test was in 1882 and the name of it comes from when Aussies beat the Brits on English soil. After the tough loss at home, an English newspaper then printed an obituary stating that British cricket was dead and the body of it should be cremated and the Ashes sent Down Under. The Ashes happen every two years with alternating venues in the two countries. 

Australia holds the series lead 34-32, and they have held onto the trophy for the last four Ashes, with two of them drawn. 

England vs. West Indies 

This rivalry is one that comes from colonial history, as England colonized the West Indies in the early 1600s. In the 1970s and 80s the rivalry really was intense, as the West Indies had loaded teams and enjoyed much success over the English. Two memorable series’ during that time happened in 1984 and then in 1985-1986, where the West Indies won both times in a whitewash (sweep) 5-0 and was called the “blackwash.” 

The series was first place in 1928 and in 1963 the winner received the first Wisden Trophy. While England are the current trophy holders the West Indies have won it 15 times with England winning 11 and four ending in a draw. The West Indies also won the first two Cricket World Cups and they had to be even more overjoyed in the 1979 tournament when they beat England on their home soil. 

England vs. South Africa 

In this intense rivalry between these cricketing royalty nations, there have been many memorable matches. England has had the upper hand in the series, as they have won 18 times, with South Africa winning seven times and four ending in a draw. The first time these teams met was in 1888-1889, and since 2004-2005, the winner has taken home the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy. Basil D’Oliveira was an English cricketer born in South Africa and selected to play for England in 1968. South Africa cancelled the series, as he was a person of colour. The rivals did not meet again until 1994 after South Africa banned apartheid. 

Australia vs. New Zealand 

This rivalry is called the Trans-Tasman, and while the two countries are fierce rivals, it may be the friendliest one on the list. Surprisingly, the series did not start long ago, with the first being held in the 1985-1986 season. The Trans-Tasman is given to the winner, and the Aussies have been rather dominant, as in 18 series; they have 11 wins, with the Kiwis winning three and four ending in a draw. All three of the wins for New Zealand came in the first five series, and Australia has held the Trans-Tasman trophy since the 1993-1994 season. 

These teams also met in Melbourne’s Cricket World Cup finals, where Australia won. 

Conclusion 

There are quite a few intense rivalries in the cricket world. For political, geographical, or other reasons, they continue to this day, with the ones above being the biggest.