Momentary triumphs: when cricket records are instantly broke
The world of cricket has witnessed some incredible adventures. From astounding batting performances to bowling spells that leave spectators in awe, players leave their marks in the annals of history with their genius.
Everyone is aware of the historical records that have lasted the test of time, such as Sachin Tendulkar's record-breaking number of runs or Don Bradman's astounding average. Have you, however, heard of records that were broken the day they were made? Yes, you read right!
In this article, we tell the tales of four such records that were as brief as they were impressive.
There was an exciting day in ODI history during the 1975 World Cup. Dennis Amiss, an English batter, broke the record for the highest individual score in one-day international cricket at the time with a stunning 137 against India during a group-stage match.
But wait, the day wasn't quite over! Shortly after, in a further stage encounter, Glenn Turner of New Zealand unleashed an explosive assault against East Africa, scoring a massive 171 runs and breaking Amiss' record all in one day!
Belinda Clarke becomes first batter to hit a double century in ODIs // Picture Courtesy – Hindustan Times
Along with numerous record-breaking hits, the 1997 Women's World Cup was a historic event in cricket history. During a game against Ireland, Charlotte Edwards, the opening batswoman for England, struck a stunning 173, shattering the previous record for the highest individual score in a women's ODI.
Was she not feeling proud? Not for long, though! Unaware of Edward's achievement, Australian skipper Belinda Clark made history of her own miles away in Mumbai. She became the first cricket player, male or female, to hit a double century in one-day international cricket (ODI) when she hammered a stunning 229* against Denmark.
Put on your seatbelts because this one has records for falling at a very fast pace! Martin Guptill of New Zealand destroyed the Sri Lankan bowling attack in a 2016 Twenty20I encounter, reaching a blistering fifty in just 17 balls.
The crowd went wild, applauding the batter's new record for the quickest fifty. But there's still more! Colin Munro, who strolled in next, had different intentions. Munro struck a brilliant fifty in just 14 balls, beating Guptill's record that had held for an incredible 14 minutes! What a speedy turnaround!
The fifth and final One-Day International (ODI) between Australia and South Africa in 2006 was an intense match. Australia elected to bat first and amassed a massive 434, then the largest team total in ODI history, thanks to a stunning 164 from Ricky Ponting. Even though it appeared almost impossible to pursue such a massive objective, the Proteas never gave up. Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs had outstanding hits, which allowed South Africa to remain competitive.
In a thrilling ending, South Africa needed two runs to win with one wicket remaining and just three balls remaining. There was a lot of anxiety! With a single from M. Ntini and a boundary from Mark Boucher off the last ball, South Africa had historically won. They not only won by a single wicket, but they also scored an incredible 438/9, breaking Australia's record for the greatest team total in ODIs.
