Virat Kohli Historic 50th ODI Ton to Glenn Maxwell's Big Show vs AFG: Relive the Top 10 Viral Cricket Moments Of 2023

The world of cricket has witnessed several golden moments over the year 2023. Champions were crowned, records were broken and controversies were hurled as many groundbreaking events marked their entry into the annals of history. For sports enthusiasts in India, it was certainly a happening year as the country got the privilege to host the coveted ICC ODI World Cup. But the multi-nation event did not end pleasantly for the home side, with Team India missing the title by the slightest of margins. As the year inches closer to the end, let’s take a look at the top cricket moments of 2023:

MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja deserved much credit for Chennai Super Kings’ triumphant finish at the 2023 IPL. The Indian all-rounder struck one six and a boundary off the last two deliveries in the final, helping the MS Dhoni-led side notch a last-gasp win over Gujarat Titans. After scripting the miraculous finish, Jadeja went straight to the CSK dugout where an emotional Dhoni was seen lifting him with tears of joy.

Virat Kohli’s Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar

Virat Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar on the list of the most ODI centuries during the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. After completing his 50th ODI ton, Kohli bowed down to Tendulkar, who was present in the stands at Wankhede Stadium. Apart from that famous knock, Kohli registered two more tons and six half-centuries in the showpiece tournament to finish as the top run-scorer.

Maxwell Turned Undertaker

Glenn Maxwell put up one of the finest knocks in cricket history during an ODI World Cup game against Afghanistan. He took charge after Australia lost four wickets at 49 while chasing a 292-run target.

At one point in his innings, Maxwell was spotted lying straight on the ground as he was dealing with unbearable pain due to cramps. After Maxwell singlehandedly won the match for Australia with an unbeaten 201-run knock, many fans compared his sleep with that of WWE legend Undertaker, who is famous for his act of rising from the coffin.

Angelo Matthews’ Timed-out Dismissal

During a group league match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Angelo Matthews was dismissed timed out after he failed to face the next delivery within the designated period. The Sri Lankan all-rounder arrived at the crease following the wicket of Sadeera Samarawickrama. As he faced issues with his helmet strap, Matthews had to change it. Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed to the on-field umpires. The officials referred the decision to the television umpire, who gave his verdict in Bangladesh’s favour.

Irfan Pathan’s Dance with Rashid Khan

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan broke into an emphatic dance with Rashid Khan after Afghanistan pulled off one of the major upsets of the 2023 World Cup by defeating Pakistan in a league game. The clip of their impromptu performance became an instant hit on social media.

Pat Cummins at the World Cup Presentation Ceremony

Following Australia’s record sixth ODI World Cup triumph, captain Pat Cummins received the trophy from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After presenting the trophy, PM Modi vacated the stage, leaving Cummins alone. The Aussie pacer was captured in an awkward pose as he was waiting for his teammates to come up on the stage.

Marsh’s Controversial Photo with World Cup Trophy

After Australia beat India to secure their sixth ODI World Cup title, Mitchell Marsh courted controversy due to a celebratory gesture. The Aussie all-rounder was captured resting his feet on the coveted World Cup trophy. As soon as the picture surfaced on the internet, many fans lashed out at Marsh for disrespecting the biggest accolade in cricket.

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Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Face-off in the IPL

There was a clash of words between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir on the field following an IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants. It all started after LSG pacer Naveen Ul Haq said something to Kohli during the game. The duo seemed quite irked with each other while doing the customary handshake after the match. That’s when Gambhir, who was then the mentor at Lucknow, was seen charging towards Kohli. They got involved in a war of words before other players intervened.

Jonny Bairstow’s Bizarre Stumping

English batter Jonny Bairstow was dismissed bizarrely during the second Ashes Test. After leaving a bouncer off Cameron Green, Bairstow left the mark to chat with his partner standing at the non-striker’s end. He perhaps thought that the ball was dead. Aussie wicketkeeper Alex Carey immediately attempted a direct throw towards the stumps. Carey and other Australian players appealed for a run-out as soon as the ball dislodged the bails. The on-field umpire judged it a stumping and gave the decision in Australia’s favour. The visitors ended up winning the game but had to digest whistles and boos from the home crowd at the Lord’s.

Virat Kohli’s Hilarious Antics as 12th Man

Virat Kohli was rested during an Asia Cup match against Bangladesh. During an innings break, the batting icon was seen running into the ground with a childlike glee on his face while carrying drinks for his teammates. Kohli then showcased some hilarious dance moves.

There were quite a few notable moments in cricket for the year 2023 and we can hope that the sport continues to entertain for 2024 as well.