March 18 in Cricket History
2007 – A Tragic Shock in the Cricket World
Just a day after one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, the tournament was rocked by an even greater off-field tragedy. Bob Woolmer, Pakistan’s head coach, was found unconscious in his hotel bathroom following the team’s shocking exit at the hands of Ireland. He was later pronounced dead in hospital at the age of 58. His sudden death sparked widespread speculation, with the Jamaica police launching a murder inquiry within days. However, after months of investigation, it was eventually concluded that he had died of natural causes.
1948 – The Birth of Eknath Solkar, Short-Leg Legend
Eknath Solkar, regarded as the greatest short-leg fielder in cricket history, was born on this day. While most top catchers operate in the slips, Solkar made his mark at forward short-leg, standing perilously close to batsmen. He played a key role in India’s first-ever Test victory against the West Indies in 1970-71, equalling the then-world record of six catches in a match. His sharp reflexes also helped India secure a historic win at The Oval in 1971, their first Test triumph in England. Solkar remains statistically the most successful fielder in Test cricket, with 53 catches in just 27 matches—the best ratio for a non-wicketkeeper with 20 or more Tests. He was also a handy lower-order batsman and took 18 wickets with his slow-medium pace and left-arm spin.
2012 – Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI Farewell
Sachin Tendulkar played his final One Day International (ODI) on this day, scoring 52 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Dhaka. While his half-century was a minor note in India’s chase of 330, Virat Kohli stole the show with a stunning 183 off 148 balls, leading India to victory. Tendulkar retired with an unmatched ODI record—18,426 runs in 463 matches, including 49 centuries, both world records.
2013 – Shikhar Dhawan’s Dream Debut
Shikhar Dhawan announced himself in Test cricket with a blistering 187, the fastest century on debut, setting the stage for India’s series win in Mohali. India scraped through the chase in the dying moments, sealing their first three-Test series win since 1993-94. Australia, weakened by the retirements of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey, lost the first two Tests in Chennai and Hyderabad comprehensively. The series also saw MS Dhoni’s career-best double century and a 370-run stand between Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay. However, the biggest controversy was the infamous “homework gate,” where Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, and James Pattinson were dropped for disciplinary reasons. Despite the shake-up, India went on to whitewash Australia 4-0.
2019 – Afghanistan’s Maiden Test Victory
Afghanistan secured their first-ever Test win, beating Ireland in Dehradun in only their second Test match. Rashid Khan dismantled Ireland’s middle order with a five-wicket haul, while Rahmat Shah and Ihsanullah Janat put on a match-winning 139-run stand. Ireland, playing their second Test, struggled despite a fighting last-wicket stand, and Afghanistan cruised to a seven-wicket victory.
1947 – The Birth of David Lloyd
David “Bumble” Lloyd, the lively former England coach, commentator, and left-handed opener, was born on this day. He played seven Tests in the mid-1970s, scoring a double-century against India. After his playing days, Lloyd became an umpire, an eccentric commentator known for his humorous takes, and England’s head coach from 1996 to 1999.
1992 – Zimbabwe’s Historic World Cup Win Over England
Zimbabwe stunned England in the World Cup at Albury, securing their first-ever win in 19 attempts. England, already through to the semifinals, suffered an embarrassing nine-run defeat. Chasing just 135, England crumbled against Eddo Brandes, who took 4 for 21, including dismissing Graham Gooch with the first ball of the innings.
1992 – Pakistan’s Key Win Over New Zealand
On the same day, Pakistan kept their World Cup hopes alive by defeating New Zealand in Christchurch. Leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed spun a web around the Kiwis, taking 2 for 18 in ten overs. Pakistan chased down the target with ease, ensuring Australia’s elimination from the tournament and setting up a semifinal rematch with New Zealand.
2018 – Dinesh Karthik’s Nidahas Trophy Heroics
Dinesh Karthik scripted a last-ball fairytale for India in the Nidahas Trophy final against Bangladesh in Colombo. Walking in with India needing 34 from 12 balls, Karthik hammered 22 off Rubel Hossain’s over before facing the final ball with five runs required. With the match on the line, Karthik launched a six over cover, sealing victory in dramatic fashion—an unforgettable moment reminiscent of Javed Miandad’s last-ball six in 1986.
1877 – Birth of Clem Hill, an Australian Great
Clem Hill, a stylish left-handed batsman and a pioneer of Australian cricket, was born during the inaugural Test match in 1877. His highest Test score was 191 against South Africa, and he had an uncanny knack for getting out in the nineties—scoring 99, 98, and 97 in consecutive innings against England. Hill was also a brilliant fielder, famously taking a crucial catch in Australia’s narrow three-run win at Old Trafford in 1902.
1993 – Sri Lanka’s First Test Win Over England
England’s disastrous 1992-93 tour hit a new low when they suffered their first-ever Test defeat to Sri Lanka. Despite posting 380 in the first innings, England collapsed under pressure, with young Muttiah Muralitharan among the wicket-takers. Jayananda Warnaweera’s eight-wicket haul sealed the victory, and fittingly, Sri Lanka’s No. 7, Sanath Jayasuriya, announced his arrival by smashing his first ball for six.
2017 – Keshav Maharaj Spins South Africa to Victory
South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj delivered a match-winning performance in Wellington, taking 6 for 40 to bundle out New Zealand for 171 and seal victory in just three days. Earlier, South Africa had been in trouble after a top-order collapse, but a crucial 160-run partnership between Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock for the seventh wicket gave them a vital first-innings lead of 91. New Zealand crumbled under pressure, handing South Africa a commanding win.
1969 – Shaun Udal’s Journey to Test Cricket
Shaun Udal, the English off-spinner, was born on this day. Despite years of praise from Ray Illingworth in his commentary role, Udal initially struggled to break into the Test team. Illingworth gave him his ODI debut against New Zealand in 1994, where he impressed with 2 for 39. He was also part of the 1994-95 Ashes squad but was overlooked in favor of Richard Illingworth and Mike Watkinson. However, Udal’s persistence paid off 11 years later when he was selected for England’s 2006 tour of India as a replacement for Ashley Giles. In the final Test in Mumbai, he turned the game on its head with figures of 4 for 14, leading England to a memorable series-leveling victory.
Other Cricketers Born on This Day:
- 1890 – Philip Hands (South Africa)
- 1894 – “Doodles” Tapscott (South Africa)
- 1898 – John Clay (England)
- 1919 – Len Johnson (Australia)
- 1924 – Madhusudan Rege (India)
- 1953 – Nicholas Wisdom (England)
- 1955 – Graeme Porter (Australia)
- 1961 – Kevan James (England)
- 1961 – Lindsay Reeler (Australia)
- 1969 – Shaiza Khan (Pakistan)
- 1969 – Shaun Udal (England)