One of the most emotional days in cricket history came when South Africa played their first international match in 21 years, facing India in Calcutta. Global resistance to apartheid had kept South African cricket in isolation since their 1969-70 win over Australia. But just four months after rejoining the ICC, they began a hastily arranged tour with this one-dayer. India’s victory was more comfortable than the three-wicket margin suggested, despite Allan Donald’s electrifying spell of 5 for 29 that announced him to the world. But the result hardly mattered — South Africa were back. Captain Clive Rice, who played just three official internationals, summed it up perfectly: “I know how Neil Armstrong felt when he stood on the moon.”

A historic moment for Bangladesh as they became the tenth nation to play Test cricket, debuting against India in Dhaka. They impressed for the first three days — Aminul Islam’s gritty nine-hour 145 powered them to 400. Sourav Ganguly (84) and Sunil Joshi (92) rescued India from trouble, and Bangladesh trailed by just 29 after the first innings. But the dream start faded as they were bundled out for 91 in the second innings, giving India a nine-wicket win. Still, the match marked Bangladesh’s proud arrival on cricket’s grand stage

New Zealand reached their third ICC final in as many years after a stunning five-wicket win over England in Abu Dhabi. England appeared safe when the Kiwis needed 57 off four overs, but Jimmy Neesham smashed 23 runs in one over to change the game. Daryl Mitchell then finished the chase with an over to spare. Moeen Ali’s steady 51 had earlier lifted England to 166, but their conservative batting proved costly as New Zealand powered through with smart aggression.

Born this day in Barbados, Seymour Nurse averaged 47 across 29 Tests — a sign of true class. A late bloomer, he shone during the 1966 tour of England, scoring five fifties in as many Tests, including a commanding 137 at Headingley. His final Test innings — a majestic 258 in Christchurch — was a fitting farewell for one of West Indies’ most elegant stroke-makers.

Mumbai Indians confirmed their dominance in T20 cricket by beating Delhi Capitals in Dubai to claim their fifth IPL title. Trent Boult struck with the first ball, reducing Delhi to 22 for 3. Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant fought back, taking the score to 156. Rohit Sharma’s 68 and Ishan Kishan’s 33 ensured Mumbai chased the target with ease — eight balls to spare. A perfect finish to a near-flawless season.

Pakistan finally broke a 22-year drought by winning their first series in Australia across formats. In Perth, they cruised to an eight-wicket win to take the ODI series 2–1. Their all-seam attack bowled out Australia for just 140 before chasing it down inside 27 overs. Haris Rauf was the star — taking ten wickets in the series at an average of 12 — earning him Player of the Series honors.

Jimmy Sinclair blazed South Africa’s fastest century in just 80 minutes during the third Test against Australia in Cape Town. His onslaught included six sixes — a remarkable feat for that era. Despite Sinclair’s heroics, South Africa fell short, setting Australia only 59 to win, which they chased down easily. Still, Sinclair’s fearless hitting became part of cricketing folklore.

Born in Barbados, Shai Hope made history by becoming the first player to score centuries in both innings of a match at Headingley in 2017 — guiding West Indies to a famous win over England. He later set an ODI record with John Campbell, adding 365 for the first wicket against Ireland in 2019. A technically sound and graceful batter, Hope remains a key figure for West Indies cricket.

Deepak Chahar etched his name into record books by taking 6 for 7 — the best figures in men’s T20Is — against Bangladesh in Nagpur. His spell included India’s first T20I hat-trick, as he single-handedly dismantled Bangladesh’s chase of 175. Chahar’s precision and swing under lights made it one of India’s most memorable T20 performances.

Facing a hostile quartet of Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, Michael Holding, and Courtney Walsh on a tricky Perth pitch, Australia were bundled out for just 76 in under two hours. Holding took 6 for 21 in a masterclass of fast bowling. West Indies completed an innings victory, their ninth consecutive Test win — part of a golden era of total dominance.

At the Gabba, England’s Nasser Hussain made one of the most infamous decisions in Ashes history — choosing to bowl first. Australia piled on the runs, with Matthew Hayden (197 and 103) and Ricky Ponting (123) running riot. England were crushed by 384 runs, bowled out for just 79 in the final innings. It set the tone for Australia’s 4–1 series win.

Born this day, Aftab Ahmed became a key name in Bangladesh’s early cricketing journey. Known for his attacking batting, he played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s famous ODI win over Australia in 2005, hitting Jason Gillespie for a match-winning four and six. A handy part-time bowler too, his 5 for 31 against New Zealand in 2004 remains one of Bangladesh’s best one-day bowling efforts.