On March 12, 2006, South Africa achieved a historic ODI victory by chasing down 435 runs against Australia at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Herschelle Gibbs played a pivotal role, scoring 175 runs, as South Africa set a record for the highest chase in ODI history, finishing at 438 runs. The match marked Australia’s first-ever 400-plus score in ODI cricket, with Ricky Ponting scoring 164 runs.
On March 12, 2006, South Africa achieved a remarkable victory over Australia in an ODI match held at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Chasing a formidable target of 435 runs, South Africa successfully completed a historic run chase, registering a total of 438 runs. This match is celebrated for the astounding performance of Herschelle Gibbs, who scored 175 runs, significantly contributing to the Proteas’ record win.
In this extraordinary encounter, a total of 872 runs were scored in two innings. Australia, batting first, set a precedent by becoming the first team to score over 400 runs in a 50-over match. Australian captain Ricky Ponting made a formidable impact, scoring 164 runs from 105 balls, supported by Adam Gilchrist with 55 runs and Simon Katich contributing 79 runs. Michael Hussey further bolstered the innings with an impressive 81, leading Australia to a total of 434 runs.
South Africa faced early challenges in their innings, losing opener Boeta Dippenaar in the second over. However, Gibbs took control alongside captain Greame Smith, forming a crucial partnership worth 190 runs. Smith scored 90 runs before falling to Michael Clarke, but Gibbs’ steady presence steadied the innings until he was dismissed for 175 runs.
Ultimately, Mark Boucher and Johan van der Wath ensured the host team’s success. Van der Wath contributed 35 runs at an impressive strike rate, while Boucher notably secured an unbeaten 50, hitting the winning boundary off Brett Lee. This match remains etched in history as the highest successful chase in ODI cricket, marking a standout moment for South African cricket.
The March 12, 2006 ODI between South Africa and Australia is a monumental chapter in cricket history. South Africa’s remarkable achievement of chasing down a 435-run target, led by the stellar performance of Herschelle Gibbs, illustrates the essence of resilience and triumph in sports. This match not only set a record for the highest successful run chase but also showcased the extraordinary talent of both teams involved.
Original Source: www.news18.com
