Sri Lanka lifted their sixth Asia Cup trophy with a stunning win over Pakistan in Dubai. Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s fighting 71 rescued them from 58 for 5, while young quick Madushan Liyanagamage, in only his second T20I, took four wickets. Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with three more as Pakistan were bowled out for 147. It was déjà vu for Pakistan, who had also lost Asia Cup finals to Sri Lanka in 1986 and 2014.
1911 – Birth of Lala Amarnath
Indian cricket’s pioneering figure, Lala Amarnath, was born on this day. His debut century against England in 1933 was India’s first in Test cricket. A flamboyant batter and handy bowler, he later led India to their first-ever series win over Pakistan in 1952-53. His Test career stretched across 19 years, and his cricketing legacy continued through his sons Mohinder and Surinder, both of whom represented India.
2007 – Gayle’s T20I First Hundred
In the opening game of the inaugural World T20, Chris Gayle blazed to the first-ever T20I century, smashing 117 off 57 balls against South Africa. Despite his fireworks, West Indies still lost the match with more than two overs to spare – but Gayle’s innings set the tone for his reputation as the “Bradman of T20.”
2023 – India Crush Pakistan in Colombo
India recorded their biggest-ever ODI win over Pakistan during the Asia Cup in Colombo. Resuming at 147 for 1 after rain, India piled on 356, thanks to centuries from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, who shared a mammoth 233-run stand. Kuldeep Yadav then destroyed Pakistan’s batting with 5 for 25, sealing a crushing win in just 32 overs.
2018 – Cook’s Fairy-Tale Farewell
Alastair Cook bowed out of Test cricket in dream fashion at The Oval. Having struggled for runs earlier in the series, he signed off with a century and a fifty against India, finishing with 218 runs in the match. India’s KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant briefly gave hope with a 204-run stand, but England wrapped up a 4-1 series win. Fittingly, James Anderson took the final wicket – his 564th – making him the most successful fast bowler in Test history.
1985 – Sri Lanka’s First Test Win
At Colombo’s P Sara Stadium, Sri Lanka celebrated their first-ever Test victory in just their 14th match. Rumesh Ratnayake’s 5 for 49 and Amal Silva’s five dismissals helped bowl out India for 198, sealing a famous 149-run win. A draw in the next Test handed Sri Lanka their first Test series success too.
1999 – Sri Lanka Beat Australia in a Test
Kandy witnessed history as Sri Lanka, under new captain Sanath Jayasuriya, beat Australia in a Test for the first time, after ten failed attempts. On a tricky surface, Australia were bundled out for 140, and Sri Lanka coasted to victory by six wickets.
1912 – Derek Sealy, the Teen Prodigy
West Indies’ Derek Sealy became their youngest Test cricketer when he debuted against England at 17 years and 122 days. He impressed immediately with 58 on debut, and later scored 92 and 91 in Tests against England. Away tours were less kind, but his record at home showed his natural attacking flair.
1976 – Murali Kartik Born
Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik, born today, played just eight Tests as his career overlapped with the Kumble-Harbhajan era. He had his best moment in 2004 in Mumbai, where his 7-wicket haul sank Australia. While overlooked for India, Kartik became a successful county cricketer in England, helping Middlesex win the 2008 T20 Cup.
1999 – Jamie Cox’s Rare Double
Tasmania’s Jamie Cox joined an exclusive club by scoring a double century and a century in the same first-class match. Playing for Somerset against Hampshire, he struck 216 and 129*, a feat marked by skill and endurance. He later served as an Australian national selector for five years.
1995 – Aamer Sohail’s Bowling Breakthrough
Better known as an aggressive opener, Aamer Sohail turned the game with his left-arm spin in Peshawar. His 4 for 54 bowled Sri Lanka out for 233, giving Pakistan a narrow 40-run victory in the first Test.
1849 – Birth of William Henry Cooper
Born today, William Henry Cooper’s cricket story spanned eras. He played only two Tests, but in one of them he bowled an astonishing 98.2 overs for figures of 9 for 200. His legacy continued in family history – he remains the only Test cricketer whose great-grandson, Paul Sheahan, also went on to play Test cricket for Australia.
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