There are cricket matches… and then there are matches decided on the final ball—heart-stopping thrillers that redefine tension. These games leave no room for error, no breath to catch, and no fan sitting calmly. With stakes high and pressure boiling, the last delivery becomes destiny.
Here are the Top 10 Matches Decided on the Final Ball that delivered unforgettable drama, heartbreak, and heroics.
Table of Contents
1. India vs Pakistan – 2007 T20 World Cup Final
- Date: September 24, 2007
- Venue: Johannesburg
- Final-Ball Drama: Misbah-ul-Haq scoops and gets caught – India win!
With Pakistan needing 6 off 4 balls and only one wicket in hand, Misbah-ul-Haq attempted a scoop shot on the final ball but was caught by Sreesanth, handing India a historic win.
Why It Stands Out:
India won the inaugural T20 World Cup on the final ball. MS Dhoni’s captaincy was born here.
Iconic Moment: Misbah’s scoop attempt that fell short.
2. England vs India – 2022 T20I (Nottingham)
- Date: July 10, 2022
- Venue: Trent Bridge
- Final-Ball Drama: Reece Topley denies Harshal Patel a Unforgettable boundary – England win by 17 runs
India needed 18 off the last over, and Harshal took it to the last ball with 6 required. The shot fell short of the ropes, handing England the win.
Why It Counts:
It was a dead rubber, but the contest went right to the wire.
Iconic Moment: Crowd rising with every run in the final over.
3. South Africa vs New Zealand – 2015 World Cup Semi-Final
- Date: March 24, 2015
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
- Final-Ball Drama: Grant Elliott hits six with 5 needed off 2 – New Zealand into the final!
Technically finished one ball earlier, but one more ball and South Africa could’ve won. The pressure of a near-final-ball finish and emotional scenes made this unforgettable.
Why It Stands Out:
New Zealand made their first-ever World Cup final.
Iconic Moment: Elliott raising his arms as South Africa collapses in Unforgettable disbelief.
4. India vs Bangladesh – 2016 T20 World Cup
- Date: March 23, 2016
- Venue: Bangalore
- Final-Ball Drama: Dhoni runs out Mustafizur Rahman
Bangladesh needed 2 runs off 3 balls, then 1 off 1. But a triple-wicket meltdown led to India winning on the final ball via Dhoni’s sprinting run-out Unforgettable.
Why It’s Special:
Dhoni’s presence of mind became one of the most replayed cricket clips ever.
Iconic Moment: MSD Unforgettable removing one glove and racing to the stumps.
5. West Indies vs England – 2016 T20 World Cup Final
- Date: April 3, 2016
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Final-Ball Drama: Carlos Brathwaite hits 4 sixes in final over – game ends on last ball
With 19 needed off the final over, Brathwaite smashed 4 sixes, finishing the game on the last ball. “Remember the name!” rang in our ears.
Why It’s Iconic:
It’s the greatest T20 World Cup final finish ever.
Iconic Moment: Ian Bishop’s commentary.
6. Australia vs India – 2012 Tri-Series (Adelaide)
- Date: February 12, 2012
- Venue: Adelaide Oval
- Final-Ball Drama: Dhoni finishes it with a six Unforgettable.
India needed 12 off 4 balls. Dhoni hit a monster six into the stands and chased down the total on the final delivery.
Why It’s Classic:
MS Dhoni in chase mode is the ultimate tension release.
Iconic Moment: That 112-meter six over long-off.
7. Zimbabwe vs Pakistan – 2022 T20 World Cup
- Date: October 27, 2022
- Venue: Perth Stadium
- Final-Ball Drama: Pakistan lose chasing 131 – 1 run short
With 3 runs needed off 2, Pakistan lost a wicket and then Unforgettable failed to score off the final ball.
Why It’s Legendary:
Zimbabwe’s underdog victory was pure cricket theatre.
Iconic Moment: Zimbabwe players losing their minds after the final ball.
8. India vs Sri Lanka – 2013 Tri-Series Final
- Date: July 11, 2013
- Venue: Port of Spain
- Final-Ball Drama: Dhoni hits a six when 2 were needed off 1
Chasing 202, India needed 15 off the last over Unforgettable. MS Dhoni calmly hit a six on the final ball to seal the win.
Why It’s a Gem:
Dhoni again, proving his final-over legend status.
Iconic Moment: Captain Cool doesn’t even celebrate much.
9. New Zealand vs India – 2020 T20I (Hamilton)
- Date: January 29, 2020
- Venue: Seddon Park
- Final-Ball Drama: Shami defends 1 run – match goes to Super Over
Kane Williamson brought it to 1 run off 1 ball. Shami held his nerve and bowled a dot, leading to a tie and India winning in the Super Over.
Why It’s Electrifying:
India pulled off a final-ball miracle comeback.
Iconic Moment: Virat Kohli’s reaction after the last-ball save.
10. England vs South Africa – 2007 T20I (Cape Town)
- Date: November 16, 2007
- Venue: Cape Town
- Final-Ball Drama: England win with a last-ball four
Paul Collingwood’s team needed 2 off the last ball. A misfield allowed them to sneak a four and win in the most nail-biting way.
Why It’s Underrated:
A perfect example of how even a misfield on the last ball can define the outcome.
Iconic Moment: Crowd stunned into silence before erupting.
Final Thoughts
These matches decided on the final ball are why we watch cricket with our hearts in our mouths. Whether it’s a six, a run-out, a Super Over, or a single – it’s these last-ball finishes that make legends Unforgettable, break hearts, and become eternal memories.