Top 10 Dismissals That Shifted the Momentum

In cricket, not all wickets are created equal. Some are just routine breakthroughs. But a few — those special dismissals — change everything. They halt momentum, silence the crowd, break partnerships, and turn pressure onto the opposition. These are the moments that turn matches on their heads.

Here are 10 legendary dismissals that didn’t just remove a batter — they flipped the script and became the turning points of history.

1. MS Dhoni Run-Out – 2019 World Cup Semi-Final vs New Zealand

In one of the most dramatic dismissals ever, MS Dhoni’s run-out by a direct hit from Martin Guptill crushed India’s hopes of reaching the final. The entire mood of the match shifted with that one moment — calmness left the chase, and with it, India’s dream.

2. Brian Lara – Bowled by Harbhajan Singh, 2001 Eden Gardens Test

The Lara wicket was crucial, but what made this dismissal special was its timing. India was under pressure, and Harbhajan’s dismissal of Lara — clean bowled — not only stunned the crowd but gave India the belief that the impossible comeback was on.

3. Ben Stokes – LBW by Pat Cummins, 2019 Ashes Headingley (but overturned)

Although it was reversed on DRS, the original appeal and near-dismissal of Stokes when England was chasing a miracle caused massive momentum shifts. It sparked aggression, tension, and the drama of Headingley. Even a near-dismissal here was history-making.

4. Sachin Tendulkar – Shoulder-before-wicket vs Pakistan, 2011 World Cup Semi

A controversial dismissal, but when Tendulkar finally fell after multiple dropped chances, it swung the semi-final back into the balance. Fortunately for India, others stepped up. But that dismissal was a moment that made hearts skip a beat across the nation.

5. AB de Villiers – Run-Out vs New Zealand, 2015 World Cup Semi-Final

Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking dismissals in World Cup history. AB was set to finish strong for South Africa, but a run-out due to miscommunication halted their surge. The mood of the match changed instantly, and so did South Africa’s fate.

6. Virat Kohli – Caught behind vs Pakistan, 2017 Champions Trophy Final

India was still in the game chasing a big target. But when Kohli got a lifeline and then immediately fell to Amir the very next ball, it was one of those dismissals that drained belief from the dressing room. Pakistan took control from that point.

7. Ricky Ponting – Bowled by Ishant Sharma, Perth 2008

This dismissal was pure fire. Ishant, just a youngster, bowled a legendary spell to Ponting, building pressure ball after ball until finally shattering the stumps. That dismissal was the highlight of the match and signaled India’s domination on Australian soil.

8. Joe Root – Caught behind vs India, 2021 Lord’s Test

England was cruising until Root edged a peach from Siraj. This dismissal cracked the English middle order and paved the way for India’s famous comeback win at Lord’s. One wicket, massive momentum shift.

9. Steve Smith – LBW by Jadeja, 2023 BGT Series

Smith was Australia’s anchor, but Jadeja’s low skidder caught him off guard. The dismissal turned a high-scoring opportunity into a collapse. It was the breakthrough India desperately needed — and it came in style.

10. Kusal Perera – Caught behind vs Zimbabwe, 2017

In one of the most underrated upsets, Zimbabwe stunned Sri Lanka in an ODI chase. Perera was leading the charge, but his sudden dismissal triggered a collapse, helping Zimbabwe pull off one of their most memorable wins.

Why These Dismissals Matter

These weren’t just any wickets — they were dismissals that cut through confidence, shook dugouts, and injected life into the bowling team. Each one was a pressure point. A momentum shift. The kind of moment cricket fans never forget.

Cricket is a game of inches — and timing. These 10 dismissals weren’t just about getting a batter out. They were mental blows. Psychological pivots. With one delivery or one error, the course of entire matches changed. That’s the power of a well-timed dismissal — it doesn’t just break a partnership, it breaks belief.

Whether it’s a direct hit, a magic ball, or a slip catch in the dying light — dismissals like these remind us why cricket is as much about moments as it is about numbers. The scoreboard can never capture the heartbeat of such turning points. But fans always will.