2013 – Chris Gayle's T20 Record-Breaker

Chris Gayle tore up the T20 record books with a sensational unbeaten 175 off just 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in the IPL. He brought up his hundred in only 30 deliveries, the fastest in T20 history, smashing 17 sixes. Bangalore piled up a mammoth 263, the highest T20 total, and Gayle even took 2 wickets as Pune managed just 133.

2003 – Brian Lara’s Maiden Test Century in Trinidad

Brian Lara finally broke his home ground jinx by scoring a determined Test century in Trinidad after 19 innings without one. It was a hard-earned milestone a decade after his debut, delighting local fans. Despite his heroic effort, West Indies fell short against a strong Australian side, losing the match by 118 runs, underlining their struggles of the era.

1997 – Aravinda de Silva's Turning Point

Aravinda de Silva turned his career around with a brilliant 168 against Pakistan in Colombo. Coming off a miserable stretch of 15 innings without crossing 40, his innings marked a revival. It wasn’t just a good knock, it was the start of six successive Test hundreds at Colombo grounds. De Silva’s elegance and timing that day reminded everyone of his class.

1991 – Gordon Greenidge's Brutal 226

In a display of sheer power, Gordon Greenidge crushed Australia’s hopes in the fourth Test in Barbados with a punishing 226. Prior to this, he'd only managed one fifty in 24 innings, but this vintage knock rolled back the years. His double-century carried West Indies to a massive 536 for 9 declared, securing a 343-run victory and preserving their dominance.

1988 – Graham Gooch’s Blazing 275

Graham Gooch launched the county season with a mammoth 275 for Essex against Kent at Chelmsford, setting the tone for the first four-day competition. It was Gooch’s highest first-class score at the time, a brutal exhibition of power and concentration. He later carried this sparkling form into England’s Test side, where his runs proved vital against West Indies.

1986 – Zulqarnain Haider's Turbulent Career

Though Zulqarnain Haider first appeared for Pakistan in 2007, it was in 2010 at Edgbaston that he made headlines with a gutsy 88. His story took a dramatic turn later that year when, after receiving death threats, he fled to London, retiring from cricket and seeking asylum. Though he returned to Pakistan in 2011, his international career never recovered.

1981 – Birth of Luke Ronchi

Born today, Luke Ronchi is one of cricket’s rare dual internationals, representing both Australia and New Zealand. Known for his explosive batting, Ronchi made an instant mark with a rapid 22-ball ODI fifty for Australia. Later switching to New Zealand, he played a key role in the 2015 World Cup build-up, including a stunning 170-run knock against Sri Lanka.

1978 – Birth of Al Sahariar Rokon

Bangladeshi batter Al Sahariar Rokon, born today, was a naturally gifted strokemaker who showed promise with some gutsy innings in the early 2000s. He played 15 Tests and 29 ODIs but struggled for consistency. Frequently shuffled as an opener by selectors, he managed a top Test score of 71. His form and place in the team faded after the 2003-04 Australia tour.

1937 – Birth of Barry Shepherd

Barry Shepherd, born on this day, was a stylish Australian left-hander who played nine Tests in the 1960s. He made an immediate impact with an unbeaten 71 on debut against England. Averaging a healthy 41 in his brief career, he narrowly missed a century with a fine 96 against South Africa. Shepherd was respected for his technique and calm temperament.

1881 – Birth of Claude Carter

Claude Carter, the South African left-arm spinner born today, played ten Tests between 1912 and 1924 in an era dominated by stronger sides. Though victories eluded him, Carter was highly effective on matting pitches, collecting several six-wicket hauls. Known for his accuracy and control, he was a key figure in early South African cricket and also played for Cornwall.