Top Emotional Cricketing Moments of 2015

“Every Champion was once a contender who refused to give up” quoted the iconic character of Rocky Balboa. It is this very trans- formative experience that plays a major role in a sportsman’s career. Emotion drives this instinct, playing a crucial role in the path towards success. Peter McWiliams once said ” Emotion is energy in motion” and when this energy is channeled, it does wonders for a side. The likes of Kumara Sangakkara, Michael Clarke , AB Devilliers showed that this emotion is indeed moving, proving that the quote, “People Will Forget What You Said, People Will Forget What You Did But People Will Never forget how you made them feel” is indeed out there in the open making the gentleman’s game as beautiful as ever. Here’s a look at some of these emotions brought to life in the year 2015.

5. From War-Refuges to Winning Down-Under

One of the minnows making giant strides in league as well as qualifiers tournaments is Afghanistan. With almost no proper facilities available back home and their country war-torn, the steady rise of Afghanistan cricket is almost a miracle of dedication and caliber. With a win over Scotland at Dunedin in the ICC Cricket World Cup of 2015, Afghanistan registered their first ever win at the World Cup, sending their fans and themselves into raptures.

Chasing a seemingly moderate target of 211, Afghanistan were in trouble at 97/7, but an inspired knock from Samiullah Shenwari, and his 60 run stand for the ninth wicket seamer Hamid Hassan, meant that the Afghan dreams had turned to reality and the Asians had made their own history at the World cup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtQZVXXq1sI

4. Thank You Sangakkara

On July 2000, Sri Lanka played a solid game against a strong Pakistani side at Galle, to win comfortably by chasing a paltry 167 with ease. Debutant Kumara Sangakkara contributed with a well-made 35 batting at number 5. Fifteen years later, the time that made him a legend, Sanga was on the wrong end of a moderate chase against South Africa, eventually knocking the Lankans out of the tournament and Sanga another chance at the ultimate prize.

However emotions ran even higher at the P Sara Oval, as Sanga played his last test against India, but ended up second in the game as India trounced the Lankans by 278 runs. Scoring 32 and 18 in his final test , Sanga bid adieu to international cricket on an emotional day for his family and fans, making the moment special.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT1OkwF8X5k

3. Farewell Michael Clarke.

Former Aussie skipper Michael Clarke’s tenure as skipper and as an Aussie player went from the highs of World Cup glory to the low of yet another Ashes debacle away to England, when Australia lost 2-3 against their  Ashes rivals. There were quick turns of emotions and fortunes as England, losing at Lords, went to crush Australia in  dramatic fashion at Trent Bridge as Stuart Broad with figures of 8/18, claimed a major casualty in the skipper himself.

Michael Clarke, yet another New South Wales Aussie cricketer with nearly 16000 international runs and a two-time World Cup winner, exited the international scene on the back of a horror batting display at Trent Bridge. Emotions ran high, for the manner in which ‘Pup’ called it quits was almost unexpected.The emotion of losing the Ashes suddenly gripped the the Kangaroo nation and the sudden retirement of their captain Micheal Clarke definitely brought them a tear or two.

2. Tigers’ tryst with Glory.

2015 has been a phenomenal year for Bangladesh cricket in many ways, but none is bigger than their world cup high Down-Under where they made the knock out stages of the premium world tournament for the very first time in their history. With wins over minnows Afghanistan and Scotland, Bangladesh needed to beat a test side after their game against Australia was washed away. A vulnerable English side succumbed, on a joyous occasion for the Asian side, achieving new heights in international cricket.

Bangladesh’s fairy-tale victory was ably scripted by Mohammad Mahmudullah, as he walked in to see his team in trouble at 8/2. His partnerships with Soumya Sarkar and the match defining one with Musifiqur Rahim, turned out be crucial in Bangladesh posting a healthy 275 runs on the board. However the game rested firmly on the Asian side’s ability with the ball and their nerves as Rubel Hossain delivered the goods at crunch situations to send Bangladesh on their way towards a magical year of 2015.

South Africa’s yet another exit from World Cup Knock-Outs

The most emotional moment of the year was undoubtedly South Africa’s exit from the World Cup in New Zealand, as Grant Elliot played an innings of his life to put the Black Caps in the Summit clash against Australia. The Proteas looked well on course towards their first ever World Cup final, when a costly judgment error between fielders JP Duminy and Farhan Behardein, paved the way for Grant Elliot on his way in a tense chase in an epic Semi Final in Auckland.

The Proteas did all they could batting first after they posted 281 in 43 overs after a rain-curtailed start, setting New Zealand 298 for victory in their allotted 43 overs. Brendon Mcculum scored a quickfire fifty to give the Kiwis a steady start but it was Grant Elliot, whose unbeaten 87, sealed the deal for the Kiwis, leaving the South Africans lamenting yet another World Cup defeat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ks9D4G1SKY