Cricket is arguably the second most popular sport in the world in terms of fan following and viewership, trailing only behind football. However, the craze for cricket in some parts of the world is comparatively more than what football enjoys; a fine example is India. Hardcore fans of the sport not only watch cricket matches on screens but also indulge in more immersive activities like playing fantasy cricket.
The Cricket Fantasy game allows them to experience the sport in a whole new way since it handles players the reins of management by requiring them to create virtual teams and predict the outcomes of real-life matches. Moreover, fantasy cricket games also reward players with real money when they win games.
In addition to the fantasy gaming aspect, what elevates the excitement in fans when it comes to cricket is the opportunity to witness exceptional teams take each other on in the field, especially those that have been rivals for a long time. This article will cover some of the most popular rivalries in the history of cricket. Let us start:
- India vs. Pakistan
It is a well-known fact that there has been tension between India and Pakistan since the partition of 1947 in terms of politics. However, the tension between the two nations extends beyond the political factor and extends to cricket. The on-field rivalry between India and Pakistan is the greatest one in the world of professional cricket.
Millions of people watch Indo-Pak matches for the thrill and excitement they offer. Whether it gets broadcasted on TV channels or OTT platforms, fans find ways to see the entire match without interruptions.
Over the years, India and Pakistan have played 59 test matches, out of which India has won 9, and Pakistan has won 12. In the case of ODI matches, Pakistan has clinched victory 73 times, whereas India has won 55 times. However, T20 matches have been India’s forte since they have won 9 times, and Pakistan have won only 3 out of the 12 times they have clashed against each other.
- Australia vs. India
Even though Australia’s rivalry with India in cricket is not bigger than the one between India and Pakistan, it is still a major one. Compared to the Indo-Pak rivalry, the one between India and Australia is fairly new. The forced competition between the two exceptional teams started in 2001 when India defeated Australia in a 3-match test series with a score of 2-1.
Both teams face difficulty clinching test wins on each other’s home grounds. In the case of ODIs, India has won 54 matches out of the 145 games both teams have played, whereas Australia has won 81. In terms of T20Is, India has won 15 matches, and Australia has emerged as the winner on 10 occasions out of the 26 matches they have played.
- England vs. Australia
The “England vs. Australia” rivalry in cricket is another old rivalry that has been going strong till now. It started almost two centuries ago due to political tensions between both nations and is still alive today.
Even though the off-the-field tension is very minute compared to England’s history with other nations like India, it adds flame to the fire of the on-field rivalry between both teams. Fans witness the greatest display of it during The Ashes, a world-famous test series that both teams indulge in and compete fiercely to reign superior.
According to ESPN Cricinfo’s stats, both teams have played against each other in 356 test matches, of which Australia has emerged as the winner on 150 occasions, whereas England has won only 110 times. In ODIs, Australia has won 87 matches, and England has clinched victories in 63 matches out of the 155 games they have indulged in. In the case of T20Is, Australia has won 10 games, whereas England has tasted victory 11 times.
- Australia vs. New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand’s rivalry is also a treat for fans to watch since it facilitates them to watch top-notch displays of on-field skills from both sides. Both sides pressure each other equally on most occasions. The Kiwis clinched the title of the first ICC Test Championship but lost to Australia in multiple World Cup finals.
In terms of head-t0-head records in tests, Australia has clinched victory in 34 matches, whereas New Zealand has won only on 8 occasions. In the case of ODIs, Australia has 95 wins, whereas the Kiwis have clinched victory in 39 matches. In terms of T20Is, Australia has 10 wins, whereas New Zealand only has 6.
- South Africa vs. Australia
South Africa and Australia tend to have rivalries in all forms of sports, including Cricket. The teams’ on-field rivalry is well-known in the world of cricket ever since it started in the 2008-2009 season when the Proteas became the first team to hand Australia a defeat at their home ground in 16 years. Since then, the clashes between the two teams have been nothing less than a rollercoaster ride for fans.
In terms of ODI stats, South Africa leads ahead of Australia, as the former has won 51 matches and the latter only 48. In the case of test matches, Australia leads in terms of wins since it has 54 wins as opposed to South Africa’s 26. ‘
The aforementioned cricket rivalries not only allow fans to watch exciting matches but also help investors, broadcasters, and organizers in multiple ways. This is why everyone opens such rivalries with open arms.