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Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty — and nothing defines that better than a final over thriller. While close games are common, some endings go way beyond expectations, turning probable wins into shocking losses or unforgettable victories. These are the unexpected final over finishes that made jaws drop, hearts race, and fans scream in disbelief. Let’s rewind the most thrilling last-over moments in cricket history — where every ball rewrote the script.
1. Javed Miandad vs India – Sharjah 1986
In one of the most iconic unexpected final over finishes, Pakistan needed 4 off the last ball. Miandad smashed Chetan Sharma for a six, stunning India and creating a moment etched in cricket folklore.
Why It Was Unexpected: India was in control until that final delivery — and no one saw that six coming.
2. Carlos Brathwaite vs England – T20 World Cup Final 2016
“Remember the name!” shouted the commentator as Brathwaite hit FOUR consecutive sixes in the last over to win the World Cup for West Indies. This was one of the boldest and most unexpected final over finishes in T20 history.
Why It Was Unexpected: Needing 19 off the last over against Ben Stokes, few expected a clean sweep.
3. MS Dhoni vs Punjab Kings – IPL 2016
Chennai Super Kings needed 23 off the last over. Dhoni did Dhoni things — 2 sixes, 1 four, 1 double, and a final-ball four. One of IPL’s greatest unexpected final over finishes.
Why It Was Unexpected: Even fans started to walk out. Then came the twist.
4. Umesh Yadav vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2023
Rajasthan needed just 7 runs. Umesh bowled a brilliant final over for KKR, taking 2 wickets and giving away only 6. An unexpected final over finish where a pacer known more for leaking runs turned match-winner.
Why It Was Unexpected: RR had it in the bag — and Umesh snatched it back.
5. Afghanistan vs Pakistan – Asia Cup 2022
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan was 9 wickets down. Naseem Shah — known for his bowling — smashed two sixes in the final over. One of the most emotional and unexpected final over finishes.
Why It Was Unexpected: A fast bowler with the bat? Two sixes? No one predicted that ending.
6. Rinku Singh vs Gujarat Titans – IPL 2023
This was cinema. KKR needed 29 off the last over. Rinku Singh hit FIVE sixes in the last five balls against Yash Dayal. Easily one of the most viral unexpected final over finishes in IPL history.
Why It Was Unexpected: The game looked done. Then Rinku happened.
7. Tied Match – India vs New Zealand – T20I 2019
Needing 16 off the last over, India managed to tie it with a series of boundaries — forcing a Super Over. Though India eventually lost, the comeback was a classic unexpected final over finish.
Why It Was Unexpected: With wickets falling and the run rate rising, a tie seemed impossible.
8. Lance Klusener vs Australia – World Cup 1999 Semi-Final
With just one run needed off 3 balls, South Africa choked in the most dramatic way. A run-out ended their campaign, giving birth to one of the most painful unexpected final over finishes in World Cup history.
Why It Was Unexpected: Everyone expected a South African win — and they tied it… and still went out.
9. England vs New Zealand – World Cup Final 2019
The most insane match ever. The scores tied, then the Super Over tied. England won on boundary count. A match with multiple unexpected final over finishes — and arguably the craziest ending to any cricket match.
Why It Was Unexpected: Two ties in one final? Cricket history was rewritten.
10. Bangladesh vs India – T20 World Cup 2016
Bangladesh needed just 2 runs off 3 balls. They lost 3 wickets in 3 balls. India snatched victory from nowhere, in one of the most heartbreaking unexpected final over finishes.
Why It Was Unexpected: Bangladesh had victory in their pocket… then let it slip.
From legendary sixes to gut-wrenching chokes, these unexpected final over finishes remind us why we love cricket. They’re emotional, electric, and utterly unpredictable. When the final over starts, anything can happen — and these 10 matches are living proof.
Keep watching, because the next unexpected final over finish might just be one ball away.
