2009 – Afghanistan Wins First ODI

Two days after gaining ODI status, Afghanistan won their first match in the format by beating Scotland in the World Cup Qualifiers fifth-place playoff. Mohammad Nabi and Samiullah Shenwari made half-centuries, and captain Hamid Hassan took 3 for 33 as Afghanistan cruised home by 89 runs. This victory marked a historic moment in Afghan cricket's rise on the global stage. In February 2010, they went on to beat UAE to qualify for the World T20 in West Indies, marking their continued progression in international cricket.

1996 – Patterson Thompson's Debut Disaster

One of the worst debuts in Test history, Patterson Thompson's performance against New Zealand in 1995-96 was disastrous. His first over went for 17, his second for eight, and he ended up with figures of 8-0-58-2, including a staggering 19 no-balls. His struggles continued, and he was replaced by a legspinner for the next Test. Thompson played just one more Test before his career fizzled out, and he became a cautionary tale for aspiring fast bowlers. His dismal debut remains infamous in West Indies cricket history.

1988 – Javed Miandad's Marvellous Hundred

Pakistan came close to chasing down 372 in the West Indies, thanks to a remarkable hundred from Javed Miandad. The chase was on track until Miandad’s departure, leaving Pakistan needing 84 runs with four wickets remaining. With Salim Yousuf falling early in the final over and Abdul Qadir holding on, the chase was abandoned, and Pakistan had to settle for a draw. Miandad’s remarkable knock was one of the few bright spots in what could have been a famous win for Pakistan in the Caribbean.

1987 – Brendon Kuruppu's Test Debut Double-Century

Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-opener Brendon Kuruppu made history by becoming the third player to score a double-century on Test debut against New Zealand in 1987. His painstaking 777-minute innings set a record for the slowest double-hundred in first-class history. Though Kuruppu’s feat was extraordinary, it also marked the peak of his Test career. He played just four Tests and scored only one more fifty, making his debut double-century his only Test century, a fleeting moment of greatness in a brief international career.

1975 – Birth of Jason "Dizzy" Gillespie

Jason Gillespie, the rangy Australian fast bowler, was born today. Known for his unrelenting accuracy and fiery pace, Gillespie burst onto the scene early in his career. His remarkable 7 for 37 against England in 1998 was one of the highlights of his career, and his 201 against Bangladesh became a legendary story of a nightwatchman's batting heroics. Gillespie's achievements also include leading Australia’s attack in their 2004 India series, where he took 20 wickets in the four Tests. Despite injuries, his career left a significant mark in Australian cricket.

1966 – Birth of Paul Reiffel

Paul Reiffel, a steady Australian fast bowler, was born today. Though never express, his impeccable control and ability to extract seam movement made him a key figure in the Australian team. Reiffel’s ability to bowl consistently well in English conditions was evident when he took 30 wickets in seven Tests during two tours. He was part of the team that helped Australia make a strong comeback in the 1997 Ashes. Following his retirement, Reiffel found success as a cricket umpire, becoming the first Australian Test player to be added to the ICC international panel of umpires in 2008.

1933 – Birth of Umpire Dickie Bird

Harold "Dickie" Bird, the legendary English umpire, was born today. After a modest playing career, Bird became one of cricket's most respected umpires, officiating in 66 Tests over a distinguished career. Known for his distinctive look and charismatic personality, Bird's retirement in 1996 at Lord's was an emotional farewell for cricket lovers. Following his retirement, he became a prominent media personality, writing bestselling autobiographies and appearing in cricket-related TV shows, contributing immensely to the sport's growth and popularity.

1873 – Birth of Sydney Barnes

Sydney Barnes, one of England's greatest bowlers, was born today. With 189 Test wickets at an average of 16.43, Barnes was an exceptional fast-medium bowler who became almost unplayable with his mastery of seam and swing. His best performance came in 1913-14 when he took 49 wickets in four Tests, a record for one series. Known for his controversial exclusion from the 1912 Triangular series, Barnes continued to bowl well into his sixties, playing minor cricket and capturing an astounding 1432 wickets at an average of 9 for Staffordshire. His legacy as a bowler remains unmatched in cricket history.