2024 – Sunrisers Hyderabad's Record-Breaking Total
Sunrisers Hyderabad shattered their own IPL record by scoring 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Travis Head led the carnage with a stunning 102 off 41 balls. Abhishek Sharma, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen added firepower as SRH set the highest T20 league total ever. Despite RCB’s spirited 262-run reply, SRH clinched the epic match.
1990 – Greenidge & Haynes Demolish England
Gordon Greenidge (149) and Desmond Haynes (167) put on a 298-run opening stand in Antigua, setting a West Indies record that stood for 33 years. It was Greenidge’s 100th Test, and the duo's dominance ensured an innings win over England. West Indies sealed the series 2-1, asserting their supremacy in one of the most one-sided Test deciders.
1986 – Viv Richards’ Fastest Test Hundred
Viv Richards lit up Antigua with a blistering 56-ball century, the fastest in Test history at the time. His 110* off 58 balls featured 7 sixes and 7 fours, showcasing unmatched flair. West Indies crushed England by 240 runs to complete a second consecutive blackwash. Richards' fearless strokes, including one-handed sixes, mesmerized the crowd.
1982 – Birth of Tharanga Paranavitana
Born on this day, Sri Lanka’s Tharanga Paranavitana began his Test journey with a duck and survived the 2009 Lahore attack. He later scored two Test centuries against India and notched several fifties. Despite a promising start, inconsistent performances led to his exit in 2012. Paranavitana remains a part of Sri Lanka’s resilient cricket history.
1978 – Birth of Daren Powell
Daren Powell, born today, transitioned from a top-order batsman to a fast bowler after playing on concrete pitches. He made his Test debut in 2002 but became a regular in 2005. Known for his raw pace, Powell played in the 2007 World Cup and showed promise before fading from international cricket. He finished with over 85 wickets in Tests and ODIs.
1963 – Birth of Manoj Prabhakar
Indian allrounder Manoj Prabhakar, born today, was known for his swing bowling and clever slower deliveries. He opened the innings with bat and ball for India and played vital roles in the early 90s. However, his career ended in scandal during the 1996 World Cup and match-fixing probe. Later, he returned to cricket as a domestic-level coach in India.
1963 – Birth of Manzoor Elahi
Pakistan's Manzoor Elahi, born today, played six Tests and 54 ODIs during the 1980s and 90s. A handy batsman and medium pacer, he scored a fifty in each format. While his own international career was modest, the Elahi family became notable in Pakistan cricket, with brothers Saleem and Zahoor also representing the national side across formats.
1958 – Birth of John Bracewell
New Zealand offspinner John Bracewell, born today, was a key figure in the 1980s. He took 102 wickets in Tests and was known for his gritty lower-order batting. His 6 for 32 against Australia in 1986 sealed a historic series win. Later, he coached New Zealand and Ireland, playing a crucial role in shaping both teams during his coaching tenure.
1936 – Birth of Jack Noreiga
West Indian offspinner Jack Noreiga, born today, had a short but impactful Test career. In 1971, at the age of 34, he replaced Lance Gibbs and delivered a memorable performance by taking 9 for 95 against India in Trinidad. It remains the best bowling figure by a West Indian in Tests. Despite just four Test appearances, his legacy lives on.
1906 – Birth of Sandy Bell
South African pacer Sandy Bell, born today, made his debut in 1929 and impressed with 6 for 99 at Lord’s. Known for his steep bounce and late inswing, he also helped set a last-wicket batting record of 103 runs. In the 1931-32 series in Australia, Bell took 23 wickets, including consecutive five-fors. He was a key figure in South Africa’s early pace attack.
1845 – Birth of Dave Gregory
Australia’s first Test captain, Dave Gregory, was born today. He led the team in their inaugural series in 1876-77, making modest contributions with the bat. Gregory played for New South Wales, alongside several family members. Though not a standout performer, his leadership in Australia's foundational cricket era earned him a unique place in history.