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!

Lahiru Thirimanne, a former batsman for Sri Lanka’s cricket team, was hospitalized following a traffic accident in the Thirapanne area of Anuradhapura. The incident occurred when his vehicle collided with a lorry coming from the opposite direction around 07:45 am local time on Thursday (March 14), resulting in significant damage to Thirimanne’s car.

Reports from Sri Lankan news outlet Ada Derana indicate that Thirimanne was not the sole individual injured in the accident. Three other passengers in the car, along with the lorry driver and another person, were also admitted to the hospital.

Thirimanne is currently receiving treatment at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, fortunately with only minor injuries. Thirimanne served Sri Lanka’s international cricket for over a decade, participating in all three formats before retiring in 2023. His final appearance for Sri Lanka was in 2022 during the Bengaluru Test against India.

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Thirimanne hospitalized: cricket career recap

Throughout his career, he played 44 Tests, 127 ODIs, and 26 T20Is, accumulating notable statistics. In Tests, he scored 2088 runs, including three centuries and ten half-centuries. In ODIs, he amassed 3194 runs, featuring four centuries and 21 half-centuries, while in T20Is, he contributed 291 runs.

Thirimanne played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s victory at the T20 World Cup in 2014 and participated in two more T20 World Cups, along with two ODI World Cups. He also captained Sri Lanka in five ODIs. Reflecting on his retirement, Thirimanne expressed gratitude to the cricket community, acknowledging their support throughout his career. He emphasized his commitment to the game and his country, despite facing numerous challenges along the way.

Litton Das executed an exceptional run out to dismiss Dasun Shanaka during the third and final T20I clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on Saturday, March 9th, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

During the last over of the Sri Lankan innings, Shanaka, aiming to capitalize on a shot down the ground off Mustafizur Rahman, sprinted for runs. Despite his efforts, Rishad Hossain’s precise throw to the striker’s end left Shanaka struggling. Despite attempting a desperate dive, Shanaka fell short of the crease. Meanwhile, Litton Das, positioned away from the stumps, swiftly collected Rishad’s throw and instinctively dislodged the bails without even glancing at the wickets, reminiscent of MS Dhoni’s trademark run outs.

Litton Das’s Fielding Brilliance Overshadowed by Batting Struggles

Following Litton’s crucial dismissal of Shanaka, Bangladesh contained Sri Lanka to 174 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bowl first on a favorable batting pitch. However, despite Litton’s effort, Bangladesh fell short by 28 runs, conceding the series 1-2.

Despite his consistent performances across formats, Litton Das struggled with the bat in the series against Sri Lanka. Across three matches, he managed just 43 runs at an average of 14.33, with a highest score of 36.

In the third T20I, Litton began his innings with a boundary but was soon dismissed by Dhananjaya de Silva. Attempting to play a shot behind square, Litton could only manage a top edge, which was easily taken by Shanaka at square leg, ending his innings prematurely.