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In a remarkable display of dominance, India registered its most substantial victory in terms of runs at the ODI World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by an astonishing 302 runs at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium on Thursday, November 2, 2023.
This triumph also secured the distinction of being the second-largest victory in the history of the World Cup, surpassed only by Australia's 309 run win over the Netherlands in the same tournament.
India's latest triumph not only exceeded its previous largest win, a 257 run victory against Bermuda in 2007, but did so by a significant margin. They dismantled the Lankans, who were chasing a formidable target of 358, limiting them to a mere 55 runs.
Remarkably, Thursday's victory also earned the distinction of being the fourth biggest win in all ODIs. The record for the largest ODI win remains India's 317 run victory against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram in January this year.
While the cricketing world has witnessed countless instances of teams outshining their rivals, such moments gain even greater significance when they unfold on the grand stage of a World Cup.
Here are the 5 Biggest Victories in World Cup History
1. Australia vs The Netherlands, World Cup 2023
Fueled by Glenn Maxwell's blazing century, Australia's pace bowlers delivered a formidable performance that left the Dutch side reeling.
This captivating display of cricketing excellence unfolded in Delhi, where Australia orchestrated a remarkable performance by bundling out The Netherlands for a mere 90 runs, securing a commanding win of 309 runs.
The spark that ignited this thrilling spectacle was Glenn Maxwell, who showcased his extraordinary skills. In an astounding feat, Maxwell smashed the fastest century in World Cup history, a remarkable achievement accomplished in a mere 40 balls.
Within the powerplay, the Dutch found themselves in dire straits at 47-3. The wrist spinner, Adam Zampa, further compounded their challenges with a remarkable haul of 4-8, securing his third consecutive four-wicket haul in the tournament.
The Dutch suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their last five wickets for a mere six runs. This plummet led them from 53-4 to 90 within the final 10 overs.
In achieving this victory, Australia broke their own previous record, set eight years ago, when they defeated Afghanistan by 275 runs in World Cup 2015 in Perth.
2. India vs Sri Lanka, World Cup 2023
In an electrifying showcase of fast bowling, India's Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj set the World Cup clash with Sri Lanka on fire, leading the undefeated hosts to a dominant 302 run victory, making it the second biggest win in the World Cup.
This marked India's seventh consecutive triumph in this year's 50-over tournament, arguably their most dominant performance yet. Sri Lanka's batting line-up crumbled, lasting under 20 overs while chasing a daunting target of 358 runs.
Sri Lanka's pursuit got off to a disastrous start, with Jasprit Bumrah delivering a breakthrough with the very first delivery. Then, Mohammed Siraj claimed the next three wickets, reducing Sri Lanka to a mere four runs for the loss of three wickets.
The introduction of Mohammed Shami into the attack only intensified India's dominance. Shami secured a remarkable five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5-18, while Siraj chipped in with three wickets for just 16 runs. Sri Lanka was bowled out for a mere 55 runs, marking their lowest total in a 50-over World Cup.
3. Australia vs Afghanistan, World Cup 2015
In World Cup 2015, Australia delivered a commanding performance by setting a formidable 417-6 against Afghanistan, who struggled in response, managing only 142 runs.
Australia won with a colossal 275 run margin. David Warner's exceptional performance, scoring 178 runs off 133 balls, marked his highest World Cup score, earning him the Man of the Match award.
4. South Africa vs the West Indies, World Cup 2015
South Africa asserted their dominance by amassing 408-5 against the West Indies. The West Indies were bowled out for just 151 runs.
South Africa secured a resounding victory by 257 runs. A B de Villiers, who remained unbeaten with a stunning 162 off just 66 balls, was the Man of the Match.
5. India vs Bermuda, World Cup 2007
During a Port of Spain encounter in World Cup 2007, India finished at 413-5 against Bermuda.
In response, Bermuda mustered 156 runs. India secured a convincing victory by 257 runs. Virender Sehwag, who scored 114 off just 87 balls, was the Man of the Match.