There have been numerous game-changing moments in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket but tactical revolution has changed the cricket for ever. There are tons of game-changing moments that have happened in One Day International cricket (ODI) but some of them were really tactical masterstrokes that changed the history. Whether it was a clever strategy, or a gutsy call or a world beater these moments not only changed the course of matches but how we play cricket in general. ODI history lives forever: here are a few master minds tactics that changed the world.

Sri Lanka’s Real Powerplay (1996 World Cup)

If Sri Lanka 1996 World Cup win wasn’t a win for them as a Nation, probably most they won, Is it anything in ODI cricket. With the revolutionary leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga and the tactical mind over matter coach Dav Whatmore, Sri Lanka started out by introducing a pure battle in their form during 1st 15 overs.

• What it says: In the first powerplay overs, Openers Sanath Jayasuriya & Romesh Kaluwitharana took on the world in EVERY Ball.

• Consequences: In an era of ODI strategy, this plan was too effective and helped built the foundation for big hitting in opening 10-15 overs of ODIs.

Dhoni Promotion in 2011 World Cup final (Ind vs Sri Lanka)
One of the all-time great tactical decisions in ODIs was witnessed at the 2011 World Cup Final between India vs Sri Lanka.

•Key Move: Captain MS Dhoni slipped closer up the order from No. 5 (where he was initially fielded along with Yuvraj Singh who is meant to be in form)

• Impact: Dhoni steadied the ship in chasing, absorbing pressure and smashed a milestone 91*, the match winner for India to lift their ODI title crown 28 years later. His iconic six will always be a special moment of ODI ones.

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• Point: England turned their over the top ODI conversation into an offensive, fearless assault: scoring at least 350 with the bat several times.

• So the move helped in England dominance of white-ball matches and lifted their World Cup in the 2019 with thunderous batsmen.

Australia Ruthless 4-Pacer squad for the World Cup 2003

Then, there is the most dominant team in ODI history that the 2003 World Cup Australian World Cup-winning side. Fastest strategy? These four pronged approach of their pace attack was very deadly.

 • Ponting   and the Australia team relied on Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath , Andy Bichel and Jason Gillespie be destroy opposition batting order.

• Australia never lost in tournament and then the second consecutive World cup victory in style

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South Africa Apply the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (1992 World Cup)

At times great strategy does not belong to the team itself, but rather the game. As a result of major miscalculation in the DLS semi-final during the 1992 World Cup, we were introduced Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) best estimate method.

• Down-Under: South Africa were needing only 22 runs from the final 13 balls to reach bowl Semifinal, only for that target rising to bizarre mention 22 runs from ONE ball following the rain stoppage.

• Effect: This unfairness resulted in the creation of the DLS system which is what is in use for the alterations rain played over in all forms of limited-overs matches.

Surprise left-arm pacer strategy (1992 World cup final) Pakistan

Pakistan won the 1992 World cup & it was a masterstroke which the team followed in a strategic manner; from the surprise of captain Imran Khan wearing NLD left-arm pacers.

• Super Move: Although Wasim Akram had become an icon already what was born in that final (Two induces over two balls ) was a Pakistani strategic move to use him for game-changing breakthroughs

• Orlando: A strategy that enabled Pakistan to win their one & only World Cup and Wasim Akram's deliveries are still considered legends at the death

Reverse Swing in ODIs (1980s –90s)

Bestiary: Once upon a time, when it perfected the art of reverse swing, bizarre in its newness, no Pakistani fast bowler was beating in an ODICC played with die-hard respect.

• Main Characters: Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis honed the craft turning old-ball cricket (a cheap wicket) just as saleable as new ball spells

• Significance: For all teams across world teams to look for reverse swing, and the death over illumination that defined ODIs.

Final Thoughts

ODI cricket is a story of constant tweaking and genius tactics have left their mark on it. Sri Lanka vs England— post their powerplay blitz, every now and then in the run chase each of these moments changed the colour. As the sport evolves, more tactical innovations will be developed that give the ODI format its excitement!