2006 – The greatest ODI ever
Australia posted a record 434/4, led by Ricky Ponting’s 164 off 105 balls, the first-ever 400+ total in ODIs. But South Africa pulled off an astonishing chase, with Herschelle Gibbs smashing 175 from 111 balls. Mark Boucher hit the winning runs with one ball to spare, sealing a one-wicket win. The match saw 87 fours and 26 sixes, both records, and Australia’s Mick Lewis recorded the worst-ever ODI bowling figures (10-0-113-0). The victory gave South Africa the series 3-2.
2004 – Fidel Edwards’ fleeting magic
On the second day of the first Test against England in Kingston, Fidel Edwards bowled with blistering pace, reducing England to 33/2 and nearly dismissing Mark Butcher and Nasser Hussain for golden ducks. However, Butcher and Hussain recovered with half-centuries, and Edwards suffered a back injury, preventing him from bowling further as England took control and won the series.
2003 – Kenya in the World Cup semis
Kenya shocked the cricketing world by defeating Zimbabwe to advance to the World Cup semi-finals. Zimbabwe, plagued by internal issues and the impending retirements of key players like Andy Flower, managed only 133 runs, with Flower scoring 63. Kenya chased the target comfortably, led by Maurice Odumbe and Thomas Odoyo, continuing their fairytale run in the tournament.
2001 – New Zealand’s collapse
New Zealand began the final day of the first Test against Pakistan at 105/1, well-placed for a draw. However, they collapsed from 121/2 to 131 all out, losing by 299 runs. The last five batters failed to score. Saqlain Mushtaq (4 for 3 in 12.4 overs) and Mohammad Sami (5 for 7 in 7 overs) ran through the batting lineup in a stunning spell.
1993 – Danny Morrison's heroics
In the third Test in Auckland, Danny Morrison single-handedly dismantled Australia’s batting, taking 6 for 37 as they were bowled out for 139. New Zealand controlled the match from there, securing a tense five-wicket victory on the final day to level the series. Damien Martyn’s 74 turned out to be his last overseas Test innings for seven years.
1983 – Sandhu’s early strikes
In a Test match in Trinidad, Balwinder Sandhu stunned the West Indies, dismissing both Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes for ducks, reducing them to 1 for 3. However, Larry Gomes (126) and Clive Lloyd (143) mounted a strong recovery, putting on 237 runs together and ensuring West Indies controlled the match, which eventually ended in a draw.
1982 – Courtney Walsh debuts
Courtney Walsh made his first-class debut for Jamaica against the Leeward Islands in Kingston. His start was unimpressive, with figures of 10-2-52-0, but he quickly found his rhythm. In his next three innings, he took 1 for 16, 4 for 119, and 6 for 95, marking the beginning of a legendary career.
1960 – West Indies’ lucky charm
Eldine Baptiste, born in Antigua, played ten Tests over seven years, and remarkably, West Indies won all of them. Though not a standout performer, he was a useful bowling all-rounder. He played a key role in the 1984 England series, scoring 87 at Edgbaston and pulling off a stunning run-out of Geoff Miller from 80 yards at Lord’s.
1938 – Vijay Mehra is born
Vijay Mehra, India's youngest Test cricketer until 1982, was born. He debuted at the age of 17 and played eight Tests over two separate stints. He bravely batted with a fractured thumb in the 1961-62 series against England. His final Test appearance came in Bombay in 1963-64.
1904 – Ken James born
Ken James, a New Zealand wicketkeeper, was born. He had a dismal batting average of 4.72, making him statistically the worst keeper-batsman to play ten or more Tests. However, his exceptional reflexes and quick hands made him a standout behind the stumps. After retiring, he became a successful publican.
1889 – South Africa’s first Test
South Africa played their first-ever Test match against England in Port Elizabeth, which was later recognized as the country's first-class debut. England bowled them out for just 84 on the opening morning and cruised to victory within two days, with no batsman reaching a half-century.
