Cricket Classics - Part IV : 438 Match

Hello, fellow Sports Enthusiasts,

Cricket is not just a sport between two teams; it's a battle of skills, strategy, and capitalizing on clutch moments. Although the game has transformed over the decades, it has never failed to impress us or leave us with unforgettable moments.

So, through this series, I will present you some of the most iconic cricket matches that have made fans jump out of their seats. Let's remember those legendary games once a week.

Made by leonardo.ai

It all happened in 2006, at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, just around the period that I started watching Cricket. After 18 years, this is still the highest successful run chase (434 runs) and the Highest aggregate runs in a match ( 872) in ODI history. And that time this match broke several records of highest team total in an ODI, highest number of sixes, and fours which were broken later. This match is special not only for the high-scoring game but for the entertainment and thriller given throughout the game until the last wicket and last over of the chase.

So, let's talk about one of the most iconic ODI matches to play, 438 match/ the fifth ODI cricket match between South Africa and Australia in 2006, in the fourth episode!

ss from YTube

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Look at these two teams with big names. Ponting's Australian team, which was a nightmare to the opponent at that time, and Smith's quality lineup that was equally strong. It was the final match of a 5-match ODI series, and the series was tied 2-2, making this match decider. So, both the teams were at their peaks, pursuing their best in the match.

Australia started the batting after winning the toss. Gilchrist showcased his explosive batting with Simon Katich, making 97 runs partnership off 92 balls for the first wickets with two half-centuries. Then Ponting came to the crease to entertain the crowd. He started slowly and reached 50 in 43 balls.

ss from YTube

Katich got out in the 31st over when the score was 216 runs. After that Australian duo, Ponting and Mike Hussy went crazy. These two hammered all around the park, putting 158 runs for the third wicket in just 94 balls. Ponting reached his 15 runs in just 98 balls, which was the fastest at that time. Ponting ended up scoring 164 runs in 105 balls with 9 sixes. Things got worse for Proteas leaking 53 runs in the last 3 overs, with several no balls. So, they ended up scoring 434/4, with several world records, and becoming the first team to pass 400 runs in an ODI match.

The whole world was shocked, and nobody believed that SA could pull this off. At that time, New Zealand chased down 332 /8 against Australia in 2005, which was the highest successful run chase.

ss from YTube

In the second over, Bracken got the first wicket as Boeta Dippenaar, giving Aussies the perfect start. While the one down, Gibbs took some time to get settled Smith was in a hurry to keep the game alive. Gibbs reached his 50 runs in 46 balls, and Smith 50 runs off 33 balls. After that, Gibbs accelerated his game. Smith got out for 90 runs in 55 balls. But Gibbs kept going reaching his hundred in 79 balls, and 150 in 98 balls. After reaching the hundred, he was going to hit six with every ball. But he got out for 175 runs in 111 balls, at the score of 299/4 in the 32nd over.

It was gettable, needing 136 runs off 109 balls with 6 wickets in hand. But SA kept losing wickets. Mark Boucher secured one end with the tail. In the last 5, they needed 47 runs with just 3 wickets remaining. Anyway, Johan van der Wath made a cameo scoring 38 runs off 18 balls. 30 needed off last 03 and the 48th over from Mick Lewis went for 17 runs. In his 10 overs, he conceded 113/0 which is still the fastest ODI spell.

Bracken pulled off a tight one in the penultimate over taking one wicket for just 06 runs. 07 needed off the last over. Brett Lee was in charge, and after scoring 5 runs SA lost the 9th wicket. It was crazy as SA's last man Ntini was facing Brett Lee. But he managed a single, which was one of the most celebrated singles. And Boucher, who held his nerve under pressure with the tail, finished the chase with a four.

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SA pulled off an unbelievable world record chase scoring 438/9, with just one ball remaining. It still gives me goosebumps even while when watching the highlights. A perfect example of a cricket classic.

See you at the next episode!! You can always suggest a match to discuss about in the next episode.

src - South Africa vs Australia, 5th ODI at Johannesburg, , Mar 12 2006

Thank you.
Best Regards!