Top 10 Matches That Were Won by Just 1 Run

In cricket, the margin of victory can sometimes come down to the slimmest of differences—just 1 run. These rare, edge-of-the-seat encounters prove how unpredictable and thrilling the game can be. A single delivery, a misfield, or even a wide ball can shift the balance.

Let’s dive into the Top 5 Matches That Were Won by Just 1 Run, where the difference between glory and heartbreak was razor-thin.

1. India vs Bangladesh – T20 World Cup 2016 (Bangalore)

• Date: March 23, 2016
• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
• Winner: India won by just 1 run

In one of the most nerve-wracking T20 World Cup finishes, India defended a modest total of 146. Bangladesh needed just 2 runs off 3 balls with Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah at the crease. But a dramatic collapse followed — 2 wickets in 2 balls and then a run-out on the last delivery sealed India’s miraculous 1-run victory.

Key Moment: MS Dhoni’s lightning-fast sprint to run out Mustafizur on the final ball.
Impact: It kept India alive in the tournament and became one of the most replayed endings in T20 history.

2. West Indies vs Australia – 1993 (Port of Spain)

• Date: March 25, 1993
• Venue: Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad
• Winner: West Indies won by just 1 run

Australia needed 2 runs to win with 1 wicket in hand. The drama unfolded as Curtly Ambrose delivered a lethal spell. Courtney Walsh dismissed the final batsman, Tim May, leaving Australia stranded at 142 all out, just one run short of West Indies’ total.

Key Moment: Courtney Walsh’s clutch wicket in the final over.
Impact: It showcased the dominance of the Caribbean pace attack even in tight chases.

3. England vs Australia – 2005 NatWest Series Final (Lord’s)

• Date: July 2, 2005
• Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground
• Winner: England won by just 1 run

Australia, chasing 197, looked in control thanks to Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz’s last-wicket stand. They brought the game down to the final over, needing 2 runs. But Kasprowicz gloved a bouncer to the keeper, giving England a 1-run win.

Key Moment: Simon Jones’ short ball that ended the game.
Impact: A confidence booster for England before their legendary 2005 Ashes triumph.

4. Pakistan vs India – 1986 Austral-Asia Cup Final (Sharjah)

• Date: April 18, 1986
• Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
• Winner: Pakistan won by just 1 run

India was chasing 246, and the match went into the final over with Javed Miandad facing the pressure. Chetan Sharma bowled a full toss, which Miandad smashed for a six to win the match. But had Sharma bowled a dot, India would’ve won by just 1 run instead.

Key Moment: Miandad’s iconic last-ball six.
Impact: It changed India-Pakistan match dynamics forever and became a cultural moment in cricket history.

5. South Africa vs Sri Lanka – 2003 ODI (Cape Town)

• Date: March 1, 2003
• Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
• Winner: South Africa won by just 1 run

Sri Lanka was chasing 269. Despite a fighting knock by Mahela Jayawardene, they fell agonizingly short at 267/9, handing South Africa a win by just 1 run. Shaun Pollock held his nerve in the final over.

Key Moment: Pollock’s yorkers to restrict scoring in the death overs.
Impact: A much-needed win for South Africa during a tough World Cup campaign.

6. New Zealand vs England – 2018 (3rd ODI, Wellington)

• Date: February 28, 2018
• Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
• Winner: New Zealand won by just 1 run

Batting first, New Zealand posted a modest 234/7. England looked in control, thanks to Ben Stokes’ half-century. But Ish Sodhi’s sensational last over turned things around. With 2 runs needed from 2 balls, Sodhi took a wicket and bowled a dot, sealing the game.

Key Moment: Last-ball dot by Sodhi.
Impact: Gave New Zealand a 2-1 series lead in a dramatic fashion.

7. Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan – 2018 (Sharjah ODI)

• Date: February 13, 2018
• Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
• Winner: Zimbabwe won by just 1 run

In a low-scoring thriller, Zimbabwe defended 129 runs. Afghanistan fell just one run short despite Rashid Khan’s brave attempt at the end. It was one of the most dramatic ODI finishes between two rising teams.

Key Moment: Afghanistan lost 5 wickets for just 10 runs in middle overs.
Impact: Boosted Zimbabwe’s morale and brought attention to low-scoring ODIs.

8. Ireland vs Zimbabwe – 2014 (ODI, Harare)

• Date: October 17, 2014
• Venue: Harare Sports Club
• Winner: Ireland won by just 1 run

Ireland made 266, and Zimbabwe fell heartbreakingly short at 265 all out. Ed Joyce and Kevin O’Brien were the heroes with bat and ball. The last Zimbabwe wicket fell on the final delivery.

Key Moment: John Mooney’s composed final over.
Impact: A major win for Ireland on foreign soil.

9. Bangladesh vs West Indies – 2012 (ODI, Khulna)

• Date: December 2, 2012
• Venue: Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium
• Winner: Bangladesh won by just 1 run

In a rain-curtailed match, Bangladesh posted 292/6 in 50 overs. West Indies almost chased it down but fell short by 1 run, finishing on 291/9. Mashrafe Mortaza’s brilliant death-over spell sealed the deal.

Key Moment: Mortaza defended 9 runs in the final over.
Impact: A huge statement win for Bangladesh cricket.

10. England vs South Africa – 2000 (ODI, Durban)

• Date: January 28, 2000
• Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
• Winner: England won by just 1 run

England defended 182 runs in a low-scoring thriller. South Africa was bowled out for 181, with Darren Gough taking 3 wickets. England’s tight fielding and bowling made the difference in a dramatic chase.

Key Moment: Neil Radford’s stunning diving catch to remove Kallis.
Impact: A rare win for England in South Africa in that era.

Why These Matches Still Give Goosebumps

Matches won by just 1 run are a rare cricketing phenomenon. They reflect not only drama and pressure but also mental strength, clutch performances, and at times — pure luck. Whether it’s Dhoni’s run-out, Ambrose’s fire, or Miandad’s six — these moments are etched in the hearts of fans.

FAQ – Won by Just 1 Run