
2015 – Australia Clinches Fifth Cricket World Cup
On March 29, 2015, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia secured their fifth Cricket World Cup title by defeating New Zealand. The co-hosts dominated the final, with Mitchell Starc's early dismissal of Brendon McCullum setting the tone. Australia chased down the modest target of 183 with seven wickets in hand, marking a memorable victory on home soil.
2011 – India Triumphs in World Cup Semi-Final Against Pakistan
On March 30, 2011, India faced Pakistan in the World Cup semi-final at Mohali. Sachin Tendulkar top-scored with 85 runs, leading India to a total of 260. Pakistan's chase faltered, and they were bowled out for 231, granting India a 29-run victory and a place in the final. This match was notable for high tensions and immense fan interest.
2008 – Virender Sehwag's Record-Breaking Triple Century
In a Test match in Chennai, Virender Sehwag scored the fastest triple-century in history, smashing 319 off 278 balls. He became one of four batters with multiple Test triple centuries. Despite his heroics, the match against South Africa ended in a dull draw, but Sehwag’s innings remains one of the most aggressive in Test history.
2001 – Pakistan Crumbles Against New Zealand
Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat to New Zealand in Hamilton, losing by an innings and 185 runs. Their two innings lasted less than 80 overs combined. Craig McMillan's blistering batting, including a then-record 26-run over against Younis Khan, was a highlight of the game as New Zealand dominated with aggressive cricket.
1999 – Brian Lara’s Genius 153 Not Out
Brian Lara led West Indies to a thrilling one-wicket victory over Australia in Barbados with a masterful 153 not out. His innings rescued the team from 98 for 6 in the first innings, setting up a dramatic chase of 311. No other batter from either team scored 40 in the second innings, making this one of Lara’s greatest performances.
1998 – Hansie Cronje Destroys Muralidaran
Hansie Cronje’s blistering 82 off 63 balls sealed South Africa’s 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka. Chasing 225, South Africa were struggling at 99 for 3, but Cronje took on Muthiah Muralidaran, smashing four consecutive sixes. His 50 off 31 balls ensured an emphatic victory for the hosts in Centurion.
1997 – Canterbury’s Shell Shield Dominance
Canterbury piled up 777 runs in the Shell Shield final, with Nathan Astle scoring a fiery 160 and taking 6 for 22. Despite Otago's second-innings fightback, Canterbury lifted the trophy. Astle’s all-round brilliance ensured one of the most dominant performances in domestic cricket history.
1954 – Garry Sobers' Test Debut
A 17-year-old Garry Sobers made his Test debut for West Indies against England in Jamaica. Batting at No. 9, he scored 14 and 26 and took 4 for 75, including the wicket of Trevor Bailey. Sobers went on to become one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, rewriting records in both batting and bowling.
1940 – Birth of England Captain Norman Gifford
Norman Gifford, a left-arm spinner, was born on this day. He captained England at the age of 44 in the Sharjah Cup in 1984-85, making his ODI debut 21 years after winning the first-ever Gillette Cup final. Despite playing only 15 Tests, he took over 2000 first-class wickets, mainly for Worcestershire.
1927 – Birth of Wally Grout
One of Australia’s greatest wicketkeepers, Wally Grout was renowned for his acrobatic leg-side takes. He was also a true sportsman, refusing to dismiss a stranded batter after a collision. Despite modest batting, his glovework was legendary. He passed away in 1968 at the age of 41 due to a heart attack.
1912 – Birth of New Zealand’s Jack "The Bull" Cowie
New Zealand’s fast bowler Jack Cowie was born on this day. Known for his fierce bowling and aggressive attitude, he played only nine Tests due to World War II. In an era when New Zealand was a weak side, Cowie carried the attack and finished as the team’s leading wicket-taker in his first six Tests.
1908 – Birth of Chuck Fleetwood-Smith
Chuck Fleetwood-Smith, an Australian left-arm wrist-spinner, was born on this day. Despite playing just ten Tests, he was widely regarded as a tough bowler to face. However, he lacked a killer instinct and often struggled when batters attacked him. His career was cut short by World War II.
1877 – The Inaugural Test Match Begins
On March 15, 1877, the first-ever Test match began at the Melbourne Cricket Ground between Australia and England. Australia won by 45 runs, with Charles Bannerman scoring Test cricket’s first century. This historic match marked the birth of Test cricket, laying the foundation for the longest format of the game.
1844 – First International Cricket Match
On September 25, 1844, the first international cricket match was played between Canada and the USA at St George's Cricket Club in New York. Canada won by 23 runs. Though largely forgotten today, this match was the earliest example of international cricket competition, predating even Test cricket.