4 biggest rivalries in the game of cricket

Cricket has brought fans from all around the world together for years. This actually characterizes the sporting rivalries that have evolved between various nations. These rivalries provide a new depth to the sport, making it more thrilling and memorable.

In this post, we will look at some of cricket's most famous rivalries between nations that have captivated fans all over the world. Today, cricket enthusiasts in India make up a significant portion of the global fan base, as the country remains one of the top international cricketing nations.

Here are the top 4 rivalries in the cricketing world 

4. Australia vs India

India vs Australia (Source- Twitter)

This rivalry has gained light in the last few decades. Especially after the famous Test series between the two in 2001. They had met on many occasions after that, including the World Cup finals in 2003. Cricket fans throughout the world look forward to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches between the two nations.

Australia also has a great record against India in World Cups, never losing against them until 2011 and 2019. They have been involved in a number of disputes over the years including the “Monkeygate” scandal in 2008 where Harbhajan Singh was accused of racially abusing Andrew Symonds & the “Sydney Test” controversy in 2008.

3. Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings

MI vs CSK (Source- Twitter)

The biggest team rivalry in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The two teams have faced each other 30 times which is the most number of times any two IPL teams have faced off with the MI has more victories (18).

The highest runs scorer from these two teams is Suresh Raina (722 runs) of the Super Kings while the leading wicket-taker is Lasith Malinga (36) of Mumbai Indians. The rivalry is often referred to as the El Clasico of IPL. They have gone faced against each other in 4 finals and Mumbai Indians have won 3 of them.

2. India vs Pakistan 

India vs Pakistan (Source- Twitter)

India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most watched sports rivalries in the game of cricket. The rivalry between India and Pakistan is more than just sports, it is also about political & cultural differences between the two countries. They have not played a Test series in the last 15 years but have had great matches in World Cups and other tournaments.

The first Test between the two sides took place in 1951. India has dominated Pakistan in World Cups and has never lost a match against them in the ODI World Cup. The 2007 Twenty20 World Cup final was one of the most memorable matches between the two countries.

1. England vs Australia

England vs Australia (Source- Twitter)

It is the oldest rivalry in the game of cricket. Both nations started playing Tests with each other in the latter part of the nineteenth century. The match in 1882 was named “the Ashes” when Australia defeated England when an English newspaper after Australia’s victory over England.

However, famous Test series like the ones in 1981 and 2005 have been one of the best series of all time and will always be in the memories of cricket lovers. Australia dominated the rivalry in the 1990s and early 2000s, but England restored some pride after that and managed to win a few series.