2021 – Queensland Clinch Sheffield Shield Title

Queensland secured their ninth Sheffield Shield title with a dominant innings victory over New South Wales in Brisbane. Marnus Labuschagne stood tall with a superb 192, while pacers Jack Wildermuth and Michael Neser combined to take nine wickets. Mitchell Swepson’s decisive burst on the final day sealed a memorable win against a Test-quality NSW side.

2017 – Chris Gayle Crosses 10,000 T20 Runs

Chris Gayle became the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in T20 history, reaching the milestone during his 38-ball 77 for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Gujarat Lions in Rajkot. Known for his explosive batting, Gayle's tally included a staggering 7472 runs in boundaries, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s most destructive players.

2008 – IPL’s Inaugural Match and McCullum’s Carnage

The Indian Premier League began in grand style in Bangalore as Brendon McCullum hammered an unforgettable 158 off 73 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders against Bangalore Royal Challengers. Lalit Modi's brainchild, the IPL revolutionized cricket, featuring a high-stakes player auction and a $3 million prize pool, creating a global cricketing phenomenon.

1994 – Brian Lara’s World-Record 375

West Indian legend Brian Lara etched his name into the record books with a brilliant 375 against England in Antigua. Lara surpassed Garry Sobers’ long-standing record, thrilling a packed stadium. His innings lasted 766 minutes, included 45 fours, and marked the start of a golden run, including a 501* in county cricket and 400* in Tests later on.

1992 – South Africa’s Test Return

After a 22-year exile due to apartheid, South Africa returned to Test cricket on this day in 1992, playing against the West Indies in Barbados. It was their first-ever match against a non-white team and a landmark event in cricket history, symbolizing unity and progress as South Africa reintegrated into the global sporting community.

1992 – Birth of KL Rahul

Indian batsman KL Rahul, born on this day, emerged as one of India’s most versatile modern cricketers. With hundreds at venues like Sydney, Centurion, and Lord’s, Rahul impressed in all formats. He shone in the IPL, led Lucknow Super Giants, and starred in the 2023 World Cup with crucial knocks, earning a reputation for elegance and reliability.

1986 – Miandad’s Last-Ball Six

In one of cricket’s most iconic moments, Javed Miandad hit a last-ball six off India’s Chetan Sharma in the Austral-Asia Cup final at Sharjah. His unbeaten 116 off 114 balls secured a dramatic win for Pakistan and made Miandad a national hero. The thrilling climax cemented Sharjah’s reputation for hosting unforgettable, high-stakes encounters.

1963 – Birth of Phil Simmons

Phil Simmons, born in Trinidad, had a solid career with West Indies and thrived in county cricket, helping Leicestershire to two titles. Though his Test career was brief, he left a mark as an international coach, guiding Ireland to major upsets and leading West Indies to a T20 World Cup title before taking up assignments with Afghanistan and beyond.

1958 – Birth of Malcolm Marshall

Malcolm Marshall, born on this day, was one of cricket’s most complete fast bowlers. With blistering pace, deadly swing, and a low, skiddy bouncer, he terrorized batsmen worldwide. Marshall’s memorable feats include bowling with a fractured thumb to demolish England at Headingley. Revered for his skills and spirit, he passed away in 1999 at 41.

1926 – Birth of Doug Insole

Doug Insole, born in England, had a modest playing career with nine Tests but became a key cricket administrator. He served 19 years as an England selector, famously dropping Geoff Boycott, and managed England’s Ashes tours. His leadership helped navigate turbulent cricketing eras, including the challenges posed by Kerry Packer’s World Series.

1914 – Birth of CS Nayudu

CS Nayudu, younger brother of CK Nayudu, India’s first Test captain, was born on this day. A stalwart of Indian domestic cricket, he was the first to claim 40 wickets in a Ranji season. He bowled a record 917 deliveries in the 1944-45 Ranji final. Although his Test record was modest, his contributions to Indian cricket’s growth remain significant.