16th March: On This Day in Cricket History: Herschelle Gibbs Hits Six Sixes in an Over

Herschelle Gibbs hitting six sixes in a World Cup match

Herschelle Gibbs celebrates after hitting six sixes in an over during the 2007 Cricket World Cup

2022 – Babar Azam’s epic 196

Babar Azam's 196 nearly led Pakistan to a record chase of 506 against Australia in Karachi. His heroic innings kept hopes alive until Nathan Lyon dismissed him in the final hour. Pakistan finished at 443/7, securing a thrilling draw instead of a historic win.

2022 – Jharkhand’s 1008-run lead

Jharkhand became the first team to take a 1000+ run lead in first-class cricket. They posted 880 in their first innings, bowled Nagaland out for 289, and added 417 more instead of enforcing the follow-on. This extraordinary Ranji Trophy match set a new benchmark.

2012 – Tendulkar’s 100th century

After a year-long wait, Sachin Tendulkar reached his 100th international century against Bangladesh in an ODI in Mirpur. Though India lost, Tendulkar called it his toughest century due to immense expectations. It was his last international ton in a glorious career.

2007 – Six sixes in an over

Herschelle Gibbs smashed six sixes in an over against Netherlands' Daan van Bunge during a World Cup match in St Kitts, becoming the first to achieve the feat in international cricket. His hitting earned him a million-dollar charity bonus from tournament sponsors.

2007 – Manjural Islam’s tragic accident

Bangladesh pacer Manjural Islam died in a road accident at 22, becoming the youngest Test cricketer to pass away. Though not in the 2007 World Cup squad, his teammates dedicated their shocking win over India to his memory, making it an emotional moment.

2002 – Nathan Astle’s record double-century

Nathan Astle smashed the fastest double-century in Test cricket, reaching the milestone in 153 balls against England. He scored 222 in a futile chase of 550, breaking Adam Gilchrist’s record. His incredible knock remains one of the greatest counter-attacks.

1997 – Sidhu’s slow double-century

Navjot Sidhu made 201 off 673 minutes against the West Indies in Trinidad, making it the second-slowest double-century in Test history. Facing Ambrose, Walsh, Dillon, and Rose, he opted for defense, helping India draw the Test but making the innings unforgettable.

1959 – Greg Dyer’s controversy

Greg Dyer played a role in Australia’s 1987 World Cup win, catching Mike Gatting after his reverse sweep. However, his career ended abruptly after a controversial catch claim against New Zealand’s Andrew Jones, leading to his exclusion from the national team.

1954 – Birth of Dav Whatmore

Australian-born Dav Whatmore had a modest playing career but became a legendary coach, leading Sri Lanka to their 1996 World Cup win. He later coached Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe, helping shape international teams with his tactical expertise.

1951 – South Africa’s 236-run debut

In a Test match better remembered for Eric Rowan's 236 and Peter May's debut hundred, South Africa’s Percy Mansell narrowly missed a debut century, getting out on 90. He played 13 Tests and had a strong first-class career, becoming an effective allrounder.

1944 – Maurice Turnbull killed in WWII

Maurice Turnbull, an England cricketer and Wales rugby & hockey international, was killed in action in Normandy at 38. Known for his aggressive batting, his strokes were described as "poison to the bowler." His multi-sport talent remains rare in modern sports.

1920 – Percy Mansell’s near-century

South African allrounder Percy Mansell fell for 90 on his Test debut in 1951, missing a century. He played 13 Tests but had a strong first-class career, achieving the rare 500-run and 50-wicket season double. Post-retirement, he played golf but suffered a fatal injury.

1910 – The Nawab of Pataudi Sr.

Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi remains the only player to represent both England and India in Tests. He made a debut century in the Bodyline series but was dropped for opposing England’s tactics. Later, he captained India. His son, Mansoor, also led the Indian team.

1906 – Birth of Maurice Turnbull

A remarkable sportsman, Maurice Turnbull played cricket for England, rugby for Wales, and was a champion squash player. Known for his unorthodox batting, he was immensely popular. His promising career was cut short by WWII, where he died in combat in 1944.

1861 – Emile McMaster’s duck

Emile McMaster played just one Test for England in 1889, scoring a duck in his only first-class innings. England bowled South Africa out for 47 and 43, giving him no second chance to bat. His brief career remains one of the most obscure in Test cricket history.