As the curtains draw on another thrilling year of cricket, it's time to reminisce about a few notable moments that defined the sport in 2023. From heart-stopping finishes to record-shattering performances, 2023 has been a treasure trove of unforgettable cricketing feats.<o:p></o:p>

Each of these moments showcases the players' immense talent and contributes to the narrative of an exhilarating and unforgettable year in the world of cricket. In this article, we'll relive the magic of these top five moments that sent ripples through the cricketing universe.<o:p></o:p>

Here are the top 5 cricketing moments of the year:<o:p></o:p>

5. Afghanistan soar high in World Cup 2023; defeats 3 former World Champions<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1699369061170_Afghanistan3.jpeg" alt="Afghanistan" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Afghanistan. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption>

Afghanistan have always punched above its weight in international cricket. They defeated Pakistan in a T20I series in Sharjah and almost qualified for the second round in Asia Cup 2023. However, their inexperience in ODI cricket made them falter at crucial junctures.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

However, in the ICC World Cup 2023, Afghanistan made the cricketing world sit and take notice of the talent they held. They registered first-ever ODI wins over three former World Cup winners in Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka and almost handed the eventual champions Australia a defeat. Afghanistan were in contention for semi-final qualification as well at one stage of the ODI World Cup.<o:p></o:p>

4. Glenn Maxwell’s best World Cup knock ever against Afghanistan

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1699375790740_Glenn-Maxwell.jpeg" alt="Glenn-Maxwell" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Glenn-Maxwell. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Talking about Afghanistan almost handing eventual champions Australia a defeat, it almost happened in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Ibrahim Zadran scored the first-ever century in World Cups for Afghanistan, as they posted 291/5 in 50 overs. Then in the chase, Naveen Ul Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai reduced Australia to 91/7 inside 20 overs.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

The victory was for Afghanistan to take, but <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-cricket/twitter-reactions-defiant-glenn-maxwell-stuns-afghanistan-in-mumbai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenn Maxwell</a> had other ideas. He battled cramps; hamstring pulls and cramps in his toe to smash 201* in 128 balls with 21 fours and ten sixes. At one point, it was Maxwell just standing on one leg due and smashing balls into all parts of the Wankhede Stadium. It was a spectacular innings and deservedly a notable moment in 2023. <o:p></o:p>

3. MS Dhoni gets deafening cheers in every venue in IPL 2023<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1700994549410_MS-Dhoni.jpeg" alt="MS Dhoni" loading="lazy"><figcaption>MS Dhoni . (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

When the IPL 2023 began, there was only one question whether this would be the final time <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/ipl-2023-mahendra-singh-dhoni-receives-grand-welcome-on-landing-in-chennai-for-csk-camp-6933/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MS Dhoni</a> will play in the tournament. After IPL 2022, MS Dhoni said that he would play one season more to thank the fans as the IPL returned to the away and home schedule after the COVID pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

This led to MS Dhoni receiving a deafening welcome every time he stepped onto the field, either to bat or to lead the CSK side. Even MS Dhoni’s net sessions in Chepauk attracted full houses. The moment CSK won the IPL 2023, the Ahmedabad crowd’s noise broke decibel meters to cheer MS Dhoni. <o:p></o:p>

2. Virat Kohli finally conquers Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in ODIs<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1700641249353_VK-Cen.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli Century." loading="lazy"><figcaption>Virat Kohli Century. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)</figcaption>

Sachin Tendulkar retired from international cricket in 2013 with 49 ODI tons and 51 Test tons in 463 ODIs and 200 Tests respectively. The little master's record of 100 international centuries is virtually unbreakable, but Virat Kohli, a modern-era legend, managed to break Tendulkar’s record of most ODI tons and he did it at the biggest stage of them all, at the ICC World Cup.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/ind-vs-nz-virat-kohli-celebrates-his-landmark-50th-odi-ton-vigorously-anushka-sharma-reacts-back-with-flying-kisses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a>, after enduring three years without any international century, made six centuries in 2023 in 27 ODIs with the best of 166*. Three of those centuries came in the World Cup and the record-breaking 50th ton came in the semi-final against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium. Kohli bowed down to the legend after reaching the milestone, perhaps becoming the best ODI batter ever, surpassing his idol.<o:p></o:p>

1. Australia end India’s dream run in the final of ICC World Cup 2023 to lift the trophy<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1700452485805_Australia7.jpeg" alt="Australia" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Australia. (Photo Source: Twitter/ICC)</figcaption>

India had an amazing run in the ICC World Cup 2023. They didn’t lose a single match right till the final of the tournament. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill batted out of their skins; while Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja bowled masterfully.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

They had defeated Australia in their first match of the tournament and met them again in the final in Ahmedabad. But this time, the Pat Cummins-led side showed great mental toughness, and their habit of winning the big matches came in handy, as India were restricted to just 240 in the final. Then, a magnificent century by Travis Head ensured that Australia won the final and became six-time World Cup champions, establishing Australia’s legacy as the greatest ODI side ever.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

As the curtains draw on another thrilling year of cricket, it's time to reminisce about a few notable moments that defined the sport in 2023. From heart-stopping finishes to record-shattering performances, 2023 has been a treasure trove of unforgettable cricketing feats.<o:p></o:p>
Each of these moments showcases the players' immense talent and contributes to the narrative of an exhilarating and unforgettable year in the world of cricket. In this article, we'll relive the magic of these top five moments that sent ripples through the cricketing universe.<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Here are the top 5 cricketing moments of the year:<o:p></o:p></h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">5. Afghanistan soar high in World Cup 2023; defeats 3 former World Champions<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1699369061170_Afghanistan3.jpeg" alt="Afghanistan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Afghanistan. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
Afghanistan have always punched above its weight in international cricket. They defeated Pakistan in a T20I series in Sharjah and almost qualified for the second round in Asia Cup 2023. However, their inexperience in ODI cricket made them falter at crucial junctures.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
However, in the ICC World Cup 2023, Afghanistan made the cricketing world sit and take notice of the talent they held. They registered first-ever ODI wins over three former World Cup winners in Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka and almost handed the eventual champions Australia a defeat. Afghanistan were in contention for semi-final qualification as well at one stage of the ODI World Cup.<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">4. Glenn Maxwell’s best World Cup knock ever against Afghanistan</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1699375790740_Glenn-Maxwell.jpeg" alt="Glenn-Maxwell" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Glenn-Maxwell. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
Talking about Afghanistan almost handing eventual champions Australia a defeat, it almost happened in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Ibrahim Zadran scored the first-ever century in World Cups for Afghanistan, as they posted 291/5 in 50 overs. Then in the chase, Naveen Ul Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai reduced Australia to 91/7 inside 20 overs.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
The victory was for Afghanistan to take, but <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-cricket/twitter-reactions-defiant-glenn-maxwell-stuns-afghanistan-in-mumbai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenn Maxwell</a> had other ideas. He battled cramps; hamstring pulls and cramps in his toe to smash 201* in 128 balls with 21 fours and ten sixes. At one point, it was Maxwell just standing on one leg due and smashing balls into all parts of the Wankhede Stadium. It was a spectacular innings and deservedly a notable moment in 2023. <o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">3. MS Dhoni gets deafening cheers in every venue in IPL 2023<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1700994549410_MS-Dhoni.jpeg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>MS Dhoni . (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
When the IPL 2023 began, there was only one question whether this would be the final time <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/ipl-2023-mahendra-singh-dhoni-receives-grand-welcome-on-landing-in-chennai-for-csk-camp-6933/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MS Dhoni</a> will play in the tournament. After IPL 2022, MS Dhoni said that he would play one season more to thank the fans as the IPL returned to the away and home schedule after the COVID pandemic.<o:p></o:p>
This led to MS Dhoni receiving a deafening welcome every time he stepped onto the field, either to bat or to lead the CSK side. Even MS Dhoni’s net sessions in Chepauk attracted full houses. The moment CSK won the IPL 2023, the Ahmedabad crowd’s noise broke decibel meters to cheer MS Dhoni. <o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">2. Virat Kohli finally conquers Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in ODIs<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1700641249353_VK-Cen.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli Century." width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Virat Kohli Century. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
Sachin Tendulkar retired from international cricket in 2013 with 49 ODI tons and 51 Test tons in 463 ODIs and 200 Tests respectively. The little master's record of 100 international centuries is virtually unbreakable, but Virat Kohli, a modern-era legend, managed to break Tendulkar’s record of most ODI tons and he did it at the biggest stage of them all, at the ICC World Cup.<o:p></o:p>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/ind-vs-nz-virat-kohli-celebrates-his-landmark-50th-odi-ton-vigorously-anushka-sharma-reacts-back-with-flying-kisses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a>, after enduring three years without any international century, made six centuries in 2023 in 27 ODIs with the best of 166*. Three of those centuries came in the World Cup and the record-breaking 50th ton came in the semi-final against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium. Kohli bowed down to the legend after reaching the milestone, perhaps becoming the best ODI batter ever, surpassing his idol.<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">1. Australia end India’s dream run in the final of ICC World Cup 2023 to lift the trophy<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1700452485805_Australia7.jpeg" alt="Australia" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Australia. (Photo Source: Twitter/ICC)</figcaption>
</figure>
India had an amazing run in the ICC World Cup 2023. They didn’t lose a single match right till the final of the tournament. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill batted out of their skins; while Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja bowled masterfully.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
They had defeated Australia in their first match of the tournament and met them again in the final in Ahmedabad. But this time, the Pat Cummins-led side showed great mental toughness, and their habit of winning the big matches came in handy, as India were restricted to just 240 in the final. Then, a magnificent century by Travis Head ensured that Australia won the final and became six-time World Cup champions, establishing Australia’s legacy as the greatest ODI side ever.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

As the curtains draw on another thrilling year of cricket, it's time to reminisce about a few notable moments that defined the sport in 2023. From heart-stopping finishes to record-shattering performances, 2023 has been a treasure trove of unforgettable cricketing feats.<o:p></o:p>
Each of these moments showcases the players' immense talent and contributes to the narrative of an exhilarating and unforgettable year in the world of cricket. In this article, we'll relive the magic of these top five moments that sent ripples through the cricketing universe.<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Here are the top 5 cricketing moments of the year:<o:p></o:p></h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">5. Afghanistan soar high in World Cup 2023; defeats 3 former World Champions<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1699369061170_Afghanistan3.jpeg" alt="Afghanistan" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Afghanistan. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
Afghanistan have always punched above its weight in international cricket. They defeated Pakistan in a T20I series in Sharjah and almost qualified for the second round in Asia Cup 2023. However, their inexperience in ODI cricket made them falter at crucial junctures.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
However, in the ICC World Cup 2023, Afghanistan made the cricketing world sit and take notice of the talent they held. They registered first-ever ODI wins over three former World Cup winners in Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka and almost handed the eventual champions Australia a defeat. Afghanistan were in contention for semi-final qualification as well at one stage of the ODI World Cup.<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">4. Glenn Maxwell’s best World Cup knock ever against Afghanistan</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1699375790740_Glenn-Maxwell.jpeg" alt="Glenn-Maxwell" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Glenn-Maxwell. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
Talking about Afghanistan almost handing eventual champions Australia a defeat, it almost happened in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Ibrahim Zadran scored the first-ever century in World Cups for Afghanistan, as they posted 291/5 in 50 overs. Then in the chase, Naveen Ul Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai reduced Australia to 91/7 inside 20 overs.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
The victory was for Afghanistan to take, but <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-cricket/twitter-reactions-defiant-glenn-maxwell-stuns-afghanistan-in-mumbai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenn Maxwell</a> had other ideas. He battled cramps; hamstring pulls and cramps in his toe to smash 201* in 128 balls with 21 fours and ten sixes. At one point, it was Maxwell just standing on one leg due and smashing balls into all parts of the Wankhede Stadium. It was a spectacular innings and deservedly a notable moment in 2023. <o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">3. MS Dhoni gets deafening cheers in every venue in IPL 2023<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1700994549410_MS-Dhoni.jpeg" alt="MS Dhoni" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>MS Dhoni . (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
When the IPL 2023 began, there was only one question whether this would be the final time <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/ipl-2023-mahendra-singh-dhoni-receives-grand-welcome-on-landing-in-chennai-for-csk-camp-6933/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MS Dhoni</a> will play in the tournament. After IPL 2022, MS Dhoni said that he would play one season more to thank the fans as the IPL returned to the away and home schedule after the COVID pandemic.<o:p></o:p>
This led to MS Dhoni receiving a deafening welcome every time he stepped onto the field, either to bat or to lead the CSK side. Even MS Dhoni’s net sessions in Chepauk attracted full houses. The moment CSK won the IPL 2023, the Ahmedabad crowd’s noise broke decibel meters to cheer MS Dhoni. <o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">2. Virat Kohli finally conquers Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in ODIs<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1700641249353_VK-Cen.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli Century." loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Virat Kohli Century. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
Sachin Tendulkar retired from international cricket in 2013 with 49 ODI tons and 51 Test tons in 463 ODIs and 200 Tests respectively. The little master's record of 100 international centuries is virtually unbreakable, but Virat Kohli, a modern-era legend, managed to break Tendulkar’s record of most ODI tons and he did it at the biggest stage of them all, at the ICC World Cup.<o:p></o:p>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/ind-vs-nz-virat-kohli-celebrates-his-landmark-50th-odi-ton-vigorously-anushka-sharma-reacts-back-with-flying-kisses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a>, after enduring three years without any international century, made six centuries in 2023 in 27 ODIs with the best of 166*. Three of those centuries came in the World Cup and the record-breaking 50th ton came in the semi-final against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium. Kohli bowed down to the legend after reaching the milestone, perhaps becoming the best ODI batter ever, surpassing his idol.<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">1. Australia end India’s dream run in the final of ICC World Cup 2023 to lift the trophy<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1700452485805_Australia7.jpeg" alt="Australia" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Australia. (Photo Source: Twitter/ICC)</figcaption>
</figure>
India had an amazing run in the ICC World Cup 2023. They didn’t lose a single match right till the final of the tournament. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill batted out of their skins; while Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja bowled masterfully.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
They had defeated Australia in their first match of the tournament and met them again in the final in Ahmedabad. But this time, the Pat Cummins-led side showed great mental toughness, and their habit of winning the big matches came in handy, as India were restricted to just 240 in the final. Then, a magnificent century by Travis Head ensured that Australia won the final and became six-time World Cup champions, establishing Australia’s legacy as the greatest ODI side ever.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

As the curtains draw on another thrilling year of cricket, it's time to reminisce about a few notable moments that defined the sport in 2023. From heart-stopping finishes to record-shattering performa

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