Top 5 Cricket Moments of 2018: Highlights from the World of Cricket
Cricket, a game that has fascinated fans across the globe for decades, never fails to deliver memorable moments and inspiring stories. In 2018, several key moments in the world of cricket showcased the spirit of the game and the dedication of its players. Here are the top five cricketing moments from 2018 that stood out remarkably.
5. Dedication to Kerala Flood Victims
The Indian team’s gesture of dedicating their victory against England at Trent Bridge to the victims affected by the Kerala flood is a testament to the team's positive spirit and their commitment to society. This incident occurred during the Test series between India and England in August 2018.
Virat Kohli, one of the finest captains and players in the game, set an exemplary standard of sportsmanship. Not only did his team win the match by 203 runs, but Kohli also stole the show with his stellar batting performance, scoring 97 and 103 runs in two innings. His innings were dedicated to the flood victims, and the team even donated their match fees to the Kerala flood relief funds, showcasing a true blend of sportsmanship and humanitarian effort.
4. Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s 200th ODI Captaincy
The reign of MS Dhoni as a captain reached a significant milestone in 2018. On the 14th of July during the Asia Cup match between India and Afghanistan, Dhoni became the first Indian cricketer to lead the team in 200 One Day Internationals (ODIs). Although Dhoni stepped down as captain after this match, the significance of this achievement cannot be understated.
India faced an unconventional situation as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were unavailable for the match due to fixture management. This period was a time when Dhoni demonstrated his impeccable leadership and understanding of the game. India and Afghanistan played a remarkable match, ending in a tie, making this match not only significant for its milestone but also for its spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
3. First ODI Series Win in South Africa
In a significant twist in the cricket landscape, the Indian team achieved an unprecedented milestone by winning their first ever ODI series in South Africa. The sequence of victories that India secured in their matches against the South African team in 2018 is a testament to the team’s growth and resilience.
Virat Kohli led the Indian side with poise and determination, securing a series victory with his exceptional batting skills. Kohli was not only the captain but also the leading run scorer in the series, underscoring his importance to the Indian team. The series not only marked a new chapter in Indian cricket history but also highlighted the battle between these two global cricket powers.
2. Dinesh Karthik’s Game-Changing Knock in Nidahas Trophy Final
The Indian cricket team’s victory in the Nidahas Trophy final stands out as one of the most thrilling and memorable moments of the year. Dinesh Karthik, often referred to as the 'Mr. 360' due to his unconventional batting style, delivered a mesmerizing performance in this momentous game.
India took on Bangladesh in the final of the triangular series, and the target of 167 runs seemed well within reach for India. However, a batting collapse and India's struggle to maintain the required run rate brought the match to the final ball, requiring 5 runs with the last ball. Karthik, the wicket-keeper batsman, displayed incredible composure and hit a six over the boundary to clinch the victory for his team.
This match was more than just a win; it was a celebration of cricket at its finest, with every moment leading to the final ball creating a nail-biting experience for the fans.
1. Australian Ball-Tampering Scandal
The year 2018 was not just about the positive aspects of cricket. The Australian cricket team faced one of the darkest chapters in their history when the ball tampering scandal broke. This incident in the Cape Town Test against South Africa was a non-sportsmanlike act that shook the cricket world to its core.
Cameron Bancroft, an Australian middle-order batsman, was caught on camera rubbing a small yellow object - initially claimed to be sticky tape - on the cricket ball. Later, it was revealed that it was actually sandpaper. Bancroft was accompanied by Australia's then captain, Steve Smith, who made the grave mistake of admitting the tampering, alongside David Warner.
This scandal not only tarnished the reputation of the team but also raised serious moral and ethical questions within the cricketing community. It served as a sobering reminder of the importance of adhering to the spirit of the game and the dire consequences of failing to do so.
2018 was a year filled with various highlights and subtractions in the world of cricket. From the inspiring dedication to the Kerala flood victims to the sordid ball tampering scandal, each of these moments left a lasting impact. These incidents not only reflected the essence of the game but also highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and integrity in all forms of competition.