Cricket is a funny game, they say. Sometimes it is a funny game. The game has seen some wonderful moments after its invention. There has bee some moment which has changed the game completely. But, there are also some weird bizarre moments, that never happened in cricket and might not happen again. As the game between #NZvBAN T20I was paused because of a miscalculation of runs in the DLS method, we give you 10 Bizarre Moments in Cricket History That Never Happened.

10 Bizarre Moments in Cricket History

#1 Pollard got taped

During a game against RCB in the 2015 Indian Premier League, Kieron Pollard taped his mouth. While he was trying to get under the skin of his fellow West Indian batter Chris Gayle, the umpires were not happy about that. As the umpires asked him to be quiet, Pollard taped his mouth and did not utter a word to Gayle after that.

Every one at the ground was shocked and saw the funny side of it. However, Gayle did not saw anything funny on that. This is one of the weird moments in cricket history.

Read Also: Most sixes in T20 Internationals by a batsman: Cricket Records

#2 Bees want to play

Cricket is a famous game for Indian people, so for the Indian bees as well. During a Test match between India and England at Delhi's Ferozshah Kotla stadium, bees attacked the ground. The incident made the players, officials and ground staff hot the ground to not get stung.

This incident repeated again during a 2019 Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street, Durham.

#3 Inzi wants to hit him

Generally, Inzamam-Ul-Haq is a very quiet and chilled person. But, even a person like him lost his cool. In 1997 the test match between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan was played in Toronto, Canada. The match was going normally until an angry Inzamam-Ul-Haq went towards the crowd to hit a fan.

One of the fans from the crowd was mocking Inzi with words like "Aloo". Inzi lost control of himself after few minutes and went to beat him. Luckily, the security personnel stooped him. Post that incident, Inzamam was banned for two Tests by ICC.

Read Also: Top 5 Most runs at Number 3 in ODIs: Kohli Crosses 10000 runs at number 3

#4 The Score Mistake

This is the most recent one in our list of 10 bizarre moments in cricket history. New Zealand batted first in a T20I match against Bangladesh at  McLean Park, New Zealand. Due to rain, the first inning had to stop at 17.5 overs. The Black caps were at 173/5. As the Bangladesh team came to bat they were unsure about the target they need to chase.

After 9 balls into the chase, the game was paused as the target was said to be 170. Though the Bangladesh team knew the target was 148. Later, the target was revised to 171 after 13 overs. This is one of the rare occasion in cricket history where the batting team was not sure about the target.

However, it was some technical issue that caused the confusion which meant the DLS sheet could not be handed over to the teams.

#5 The South African Heart Break- 1992 World Cup Semi-final

South Africa is one of the teams not to win a single ICC trophy despite their great team and individual players. In the 1992 World Cup Semi-Finals, they suffered another heart-break.

However, this time they could not do anything about it. It was again the DLS method. The DLS method was taken into the game to solve the issue when the game could not be played full over. The rain stopped play with the Proteas needing 22 off 13 balls for the position in the final. But, as the play resumed the scoreboard showed they needed an impossible 22 off 1 ball.

This is one of the heartbreaking moment in World Cup History. The Proteas team never played a World Cup final after that.

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#6 Masseur's Debut in a Test Match

This is not only a bizarre cricket moment but also a funny moment. With team Australia sending their extra players in squad to play domestic matches, they were in bit of trouble.

The occasion was set. It was the first-ever day-night test match. Grant Baldwin, the Australian team masseur and logistics assistant, was doing his normal duty. But as Mitchell Starc got injured, the team was forced to send in Baldwin to filed in place of Starc.

Baldwin was a Second Grade player for Victoria. This might be a special moment for him to field for his country in a test match. Not everyone has achieved that.

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#7 Holding free kicks the stumps

The mighty West Indies toured New Zealand post wining the series in Australia in 1980. The World Champions were looking to beat them in three days. However, likes of Richard Hadlee and John Wright made sure the battle went till the last day.

On the fifth day Michael Holding was bowling some bullets. John Parker, seemed to have gloved on of his balls to the wicketkeeper. Holding was so confident that he celebrated even without appealing. However, he was shocked to see that umpire John Hastie did not move, as he adjudged the appeal as not out.

Holding couldn't control hid anger. He aggressively kicked the batsman's end stumps. The middle stump went flying. The amature photograph of that incident is one of the iconic cricket photos ever.

Colin Croft even said that the picture could have made Holding eligible for a Manchester United trials.

#8 Eden Gardens and the 1996 World Cup Semi-finals

Eden Gardens is regarded as one of the iconic stadiums in the world. The stage was set, India was facing the neighbours Sri Lanka in the 1996 World Cup Semi-finals.

Chasing 252, India had a split start. However with India on 97/1, Sachin got dismissed by Sanath Jayasuriya. Sachin's wicket turned out to be the moment of the match as India lost 7 wickets in just 23 runs.

The crowd at Eden Gardens went crazy. Perhaps, it went out of control as they started throwing bottles. Moreover, some of them set fire to the seats as well.

After observing the situation, match referee Clive Lloyd stopped the match. Therefore, due to the match situation the match was awarded to the Sri Lanka team, with Vinod Kambli not out at 10 of 29 balls.

Kambli leaving the ground crying is another iconic cricket picture.

#9 Ranatunga walking off to support Muralitharan

During the 1999 Sri Lankan tour to Australia, one man was in the news more often than not. Muthaiah Muralitharan, a off-spinner with an unique action was alleged of chucking by umpire Ross Emerson. Emerson had called no-balls before against Murali in their previous tour.

In the 19th over, as soon as Murali bowled the second ball, Emerson from square leg called no-ball.

Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga seemed furious on that. Perhaps, the game stopped for "12 minutes" as he gestured his teammates to walk off the ground. The captain supported the dejected bowler, as perhaps went on to become the greatest spinner of all time.

#10 Harbhajan's slap to Sreesanth: "Slapgate"

The "Slapgate" is one of the most controversial incidents in IPL history. In 2008, Harbhajan was the captain of the Mumbai Indians team. While Sreesanth was one of the exciting young talents playing for Kings XI Punjab.

Sreesanth was always upfront when comes to his celebrations. The send-offs were always special. However, Bhajji did not like his send-offs against his players. As Sreesanth bowled them out for a fantastic win, an angry Harbhajan slapped him down the boundary line post-match.

Though there is no footage of the slap, everyone watching the match saw both of them breaking down after the match. Due to this incident, then Mumbai Indian coach, Lalchand Rajpoot lost his job. Though Harbhajan apologised later and the matter was sorted, it still remains one of the bizarre moments in cricket history.

India's performance in the ICC events has been mixed in recent years. The title win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 ended India’s 11-year-long ICC title drought after it last won a global tournament back in 2013 - the ICC Champions Trophy.

Their latest triumph came via Champions Trophy 2025, as they defeated New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai in the final. It was the second consecutive ICC trophy for India under Rohit Sharma's captaincy.

So far, India have collected 7 ICC trophies including two 50 over World Cups, three Champions Trophy, and two T20 World Cups in 2007 and 2024.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has won 3 ICC events as a captain and Rohit Sharma has 2 in those 7 ICC trophies that India won so far. In this article, SportzPoint will give you  details on India's performances in every ICC tournaments so far.

ICC Cricket World Cup (1975 - 2023):

The International Cricket Council (ICC) started the ODI World Cup back in the year 1975. From then, ICC organized the tournament a total of 13 times. Australia are the most successful in the format as they won 6 titles so far.

India won their first World Cup under Kapil Dev back in 1983 and next under Mahendra Singh Dhoni in 2011. With 2 titles India are the second most successful team alongside West Indies in the 50 overs format after Australia. 

Read Also: Most ICC Trophy wins by any team

Indian Men's Cricket team also lost two ODI World Cup finals, one under Sourav Ganguly in 2003 and another one under Rohit Sharma in 2023. Here is how India performed in the each of the 13 editions of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

India's performance in every ICC Cricket World Cup

ICC Champions Trophy (1998 - 2025):

ICC started a new tournament of the 50 overs format in 1998 called the Champions Trophy. It was also referred as a "Mini World Cup". Till 2006 the Champion's Trophy was held every two years. After that, it continues with a gap of 4 years from 2009.

In 2003, India reached the Finals of the tournament along with Sri Lanka. As the match got washed out and India were declared joint winners.

However, India finally won the ICC Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni in 2013 after defeating England by 5 runs.

In 2025, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai to lift the trophy for the third time. It was the second consecutive ICC trophy for India under Rohit Sharma's captaincy.

Let's take a look at India's performance in the tournament so far.

Read Also | ICC Men's Champions trophy winners list

India's performance in Champions Trophy so far

ICC T20 World Cup (2007 - 2024):

International Cricket Council introduced a new format marquee tournament in 2007 as T20 Cricket started to grow globally. ICC started the T20 World Cup in the year 2007. India defeated their arch-rival Pakistan in the final that year and won the inaugural T20 World Cup under MS Dhoni.

Read Also: India's performance in every T20 World Cup 

Since then, the Indian cricket team became runners-up in 2014 and then finally lifted the trophy again in 2024 under Rohit Sharma.

India's performance in every T20 World Cup

ICC World Test Championship (2019-2025):

ICC World Test Championship started in the year 2019 as New Zealand won the inaugural WTC after defeating India in the ICC World Test Championship 2021 Final.

India once again qualified for the Test Championship final in 2023 and this time, it was Australia who challenged them. India bottled their chance to win an ICC trophy after waiting for a decade and lost the match by a huge margin of 209 runs. 

In 2023-25 World Test Championship, India failed to qualify for the final.

India's performance in every WTC

New Zealand has made it to the finals after defeating South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Now they will clash with India at the Dubai ground. 

India and New Zealand have so far clashed in the ICC Knockout Trophy, ODI World Cup 2019 semi-final and World Test Championship 2019-2021 final. Where the Indian team has had to face defeat every time.

However, the situation for India seems different in the Champions Trophy. Both teams are strong, so an interesting match can be witnessed.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 Final: India vs New Zealand match preview | Head-to-head stats, Possible XI, match prediction, streaming details

So, before these two teams once again share the field on Sunday, let’s take a look at every results from India vs New Zealand match in ICC events.

Results from India vs New Zealand match in ICC events

ODI World Cups

India and New Zealand have shared victories in their World Cup history, making this rivalry an exciting one.

In the early years, New Zealand had the upper hand, winning multiple encounters, but India bounced back in the late 1980s and early 2000s.

The 2019 semi-final remains one of the most memorable matches, where New Zealand eliminated India with an 18-run victory. Rain played a role in the 2019 group-stage match, which was abandoned.

India have performed well in some editions, but New Zealand have been more successful in knockout games.

Champions Trophy

India and New Zealand have clashed twice in ICC Champions Trophy tournaments. Each team has won once, making their head-to-head record in the tournament evenly balanced.

India and New Zealand faced off in a match on March 2, 2025, where India posted a total of 249/9 in 50 overs. In response, New Zealand was bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs, giving India a 44-run victory.

Their first encounter was in the 2000 edition, where New Zealand won by four wickets, securing their only Champions Trophy victory against India.

Also Read: Most ICC Finals as captain

T20 World Cups

New Zealand have been dominant over India in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup encounters, winning all three matches convincingly.

The first meeting in 2007 was closely contested, with New Zealand winning by just 10 runs. However, in later encounters, New Zealand won more comfortably, including a massive 47-run victory in 2016 and an eight-wicket win in 2021.

India have struggled against New Zealand’s bowling attack in T20 World Cup games, often failing to chase or post competitive totals.

Indian bowler Mohammed Shami recently demanded the ICC to lift the ban on applying saliva on ball. Now former New Zealand bowler Tim Southee and former South African all-rounder Vernon Philander have supported Shami's demand.

Shami, while talking to reporters after Team India's 4-wicket win over Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy, had requested the ICC to lift the ban on the use of saliva on ball.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 Final: India vs New Zealand match preview | Head-to-head stats, Possible XI, match prediction, streaming details

Use of saliva on ball should be allowed to bring back reverse swing

"We are trying (to get reverse swing), but the usage of saliva on the ball is not allowed," Shami told reporters.

"We keep appealing that we should be allowed to use saliva so that we can bring reverse swing back into the game and it becomes interesting."

Southee and Philander backed Shami

Supporting Shami's statement, Southee said on ESPNcricinfo's Match Day, "That was a rule brought around Covid with the virus going around the world, but I think as a bowler, you want to have a slight advantage," 

"We see the game going the way it's going and seeing sides score 362 and more often than not over 300 in this format. I think there needs to be something in the bowlers' favour, and whether that's a little bit of saliva, then yeah, I don't see why they couldn't afford to get that back in."

At the same time, Philander said that in the second semi-final played against New Zealand, the South African bowlers could have benefited from applying saliva and using reverse swing, particularly in the later half of the innings. New Zealand amassed 362 for 6 in their 50 overs.

"If we look at the state of that ball, I mean towards the back end, it was really scuffed up, and I think had you used the saliva [to polish one side of the ball], the element of the reverse swing might have come into play," Philander said.

"So it certainly does play a part. You can get it to shine up and you use the elements to swing it a little longer."

Also Read: Most ICC Finals as captain

Use of saliva banned during COVID 19

The ban on the use of saliva on ball was first imposed in May 2020 as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in September 2022, the ICC made the ban permanent.

The title match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played between India and New Zealand on March 9 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India defeated Australia in the semi-finals, while New Zealand entered the title match by defeating South Africa.

After 25 years, once again these two teams will face each other in the title match of ICC's limited overs format.

India and New Zealand teams have clashed in the finals of ICC tournaments twice. The last time the two teams played each other was in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021. 

In this title match, which lasted for six days due to rain, New Zealand's team dominated India and won by eight wickets.

India are going into the final of another ICC event unbeaten and will look to win their second consecutive title after the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. 

On the other hand, New Zealand are also coming after a dominant run so far with their only loss coming against India in the group stage. 

Here is everything you need to know before the India vs New Zealand title clash in Champions Trophy 2025. 

Also Read: Most ICC Finals as captain

Match Details 

• Match: India vs New Zealand 
• Tournament: Champions Trophy 2025, Final
• Date: 7 March 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM IST
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Streaming Details 

The live telecast of the India vs New Zealand Final match will be available on the Star Sports network in India.

The live streaming will be available on the JioHostar App and website in India.

India vs New Zealand: Head-to-head stats in ODIs

New Zealand and India have faced each other 119 times in the ODI format so far. Out of these 119 matches, India have won 61 times while New Zealand come out victorious on 50 occasions.

One match also ended in a tie while seven matches ended in a draw between New Zealand and India in the ODI format. 

India vs New Zealand: Pitch Report

The surface of the new pitch looked suitable for the fast bowlers in the last two matches played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

At the start of the game, the pace bowlers got much support from the pitch. However, as the game progressed, the batters started getting support due to perfect pace and bounce.

The team winning the toss will prefer to chase the target on this ground.

Out of the 62 ODI matches played at this ground, the team batting won 23 times while the chasing team came out victorious on 37 occasions. 

Team News: India

It’s difficult to see India changing a playing XI that brought them a 44-run win against New Zealand as well as a four-wicket win over Australia in their semifinal .

The introduction of Varun Chakravarthy has paid off with seven wickets in two games, which means he will keep his place, and Harshit Rana will sit out the final.

Also Read: Virat Kohli stats in ICC Tournaments

Team News: New Zealand 

New Zealand had a slight scare during their semifinal when Henry seemingly injured his shoulder while diving in the field. The New Zealand camp are hopeful that the key fast bowler will be declared fit for the final.

If Henry is cleared to play, the Blackcaps are expected to remain unchanged as well.

India vs New Zealand: Possible Lineups

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.

New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke.

Fantasy team prediction: India vs New Zealand 

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Kuldeep Yadav, Matt Henry, Mohammed Shami.

Rohit Sharma etched his name in the record books by becoming the first captain in the history of cricket to reach the finals of all four ICC tournaments.

Rohit, 37, is aiming to win his second ever ICC title as captain having last year overseen a memorable triumph at the T20 World Cup.

Also Read: India's performance in every ICC tournament

As India gear up for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final, which kicks off on March 9, let's recall the performance of Rohit Sharma in ICC tournaments for India so far. 

Third Champions Trophy for Rohit

Rohit has represented India in nine T20 World Cups, three ODI World Cups, two World Test Championship (WTC) finals, and two Champions Trophy tournaments, with the 2025 edition is his third.

Rohit's first ICC event was the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa and has since featured in all editions since then – 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2024. 

Rohit has been part of India's 50-overs World Cup campaigns in 2015, 2019 and 2023. 

He also featured in 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy. 

Made his debut in 2013

Rohit Sharma made his debut in the tournament back in 2013, it was also his first time opening for India in ODIs. 

The decision proved to be a masterstroke as India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, eventually lifting the trophy under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.

His standout performance came in the 2017 edition, where, as vice-captain, he showed his brilliance with 304 runs at an impressive average of 76.

His century against Bangladesh in the semi-final was a masterclass in controlled aggression, though India ultimately fell short in the final against Pakistan.

The 2017 tournament saw Rohit rise to even greater heights, under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, guiding India to the finals.

Despite his strong run, India lost to arch-rivals Pakistan by a massive 180-run margin.

Performance of Rohit Sharma in ICC tournaments 

Rohit Sharma has played a total of 89 innings across various ICC events, amassing 3380 runs.

His performances showcase his consistency and ability to deliver for India in crucial international tournaments.

Here is a look at the performance of Rohit Sharma in ICC tournaments.

Performance of Rohit Sharma in ICC Champions Trophy 

When it comes to the Champions Trophy, Rohit boasts an impressive record. 

In 14 matches, he has scored 585 runs at an average of 45.0, with one century and four fifties to his name. 

This remarkable consistency places him as the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in the tournament’s history.

His best performance was 123* which came against Bangladesh in 2017 Semi-Final.

Also Read: Virat Kohli stats in ICC Tournaments