
2007 – Bob Woolmer’s tragic death
: 2007 Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer was found unconscious in his hotel room, a day after their shocking World Cup exit against Ireland. Initially deemed murder, investigations later concluded natural causes. His untimely demise overshadowed the tournament and left world cricket in mourning.
2003 – Brett Lee’s Five-Wicket Haul in World Cup
: 2003 Lee ripped through New Zealand’s batting lineup in the 2003 World Cup Super Six match, taking 5 for 42 and securing Australia’s easy win.
1997 – Sanath Jayasuriya’s Blazing Knock
: 1997 Jayasuriya hammered 151 off 120 balls against India in a Pepsi Independence Cup match, leading Sri Lanka to a dominant victory.
1993 – Sri Lanka’s first Test win vs England
: 1993 Sri Lanka claimed their first-ever Test victory over England. After posting 381, Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Jayananda Warnaweera, dismantled England. Robin Smith’s 128 went in vain as Sanath Jayasuriya sealed the win with a six off his first ball. England’s tour woes continued.
1992 – Pakistan’s crucial win
: 1992 Pakistan secured a vital win over New Zealand in Christchurch to reach the World Cup semis. Mushtaq Ahmed’s 2/18 baffled the hosts, restricting them to 166. Pakistan chased the target comfortably, eliminating defending champions Australia and setting up a semi-final clash with New Zealand.
1992 – Zimbabwe shocks England
: 1992 Zimbabwe stunned England in the World Cup, defending a mere 134 runs. Eddo Brandes' 4/21, including dismissing Gooch for a golden duck, led Zimbabwe to a famous 9-run win. Though England had already qualified for the semi-finals, the defeat exposed their vulnerability before the knockout stage.
1982 – Pakistan Clinch a Thriller in Lahore
: 1982 Pakistan edged past Sri Lanka by just 3 runs in a Test match in Lahore, with Imran Khan taking 8 wickets in the match.
1977 – Clive Lloyd’s Heroics in Georgetown
: 1977 West Indies captain Clive Lloyd smashed an unbeaten 161 against Pakistan in the Georgetown Test, leading his team to a commanding position.
1969 – Birth of Shaun Udal
: 1969 Shaun Udal, England’s off-spinner, was born. After years of county cricket, he made a surprise Test debut in 2005. He famously took 4/14 in Mumbai (2006) to help England level the series against India. Udal’s disciplined bowling and perseverance made him a late but valuable addition to England’s squad.
1948 – Birth of Eknath Solkar
: 1948 Eknath Solkar, India's greatest short-leg fielder, was born. He took 53 catches in 27 Tests, holding the best ratio for non-wicketkeepers. His fielding was crucial in India's historic wins over England (1971) and West Indies (1970-71). A dependable lower-order batsman, he also took 18 Test wickets.
1947 – Birth of David Lloyd
: 1947 David Lloyd, England’s charismatic cricketer, umpire, and coach, was born. He played seven Tests in the 1970s, scoring a double-century against India. Later, he became England’s coach (1996-99), a commentator known for his humor, and an after-dinner speaker, making him a multifaceted cricketing personality.
1877 – Birth of Clem Hill
: 1877 Clem Hill, a stylish left-hand batsman, was born. He played 49 Tests for Australia, scoring 3412 runs. Known for his fearless batting, Hill's highest score was 191 against South Africa. A brilliant fielder, he took a famous catch in 1902 that helped Australia win by three runs.