Cricket, a sport steeped in history, has witnessed some remarkable moments on November 22. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some significant events that unfolded on this day.
1943: The Early Bloomer – Mushtaq Mohammad
On this day in 1943, Mushtaq Mohammad, a prodigious talent, was born. Mushtaq made headlines as the youngest Test player at 15 years and 124 days, representing Pakistan against West Indies in 1958-59. Known for his wristy batting and mischievous leg-spin, Mushtaq became the youngest Test centurion at 17 years and 82 days against India in 1960-61. His finest hour came in 1976-77 when he led Pakistan to victory over West Indies in Trinidad, contributing with both bat and ball. Mushtaq’s legacy extended beyond his playing days, with three brothers and a nephew also representing Pakistan.
1999: Gilchrist and Langer’s Heroics
In a thrilling Test match on this day in 1999, Australia pulled off an improbable victory against Pakistan in Hobart. Australia, chasing 369, found themselves in a precarious position at 126 for 5. However, Adam Gilchrist, playing only his second Test, and Justin Langer orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Gilchrist’s audacious 149 not out, off just 163 balls, guided Australia to victory with four wickets to spare. This victory, the third consecutive for Australia, instilled a newfound self-belief in the team.
1994: West Indies Stumble Against India
A sign of the West Indian empire’s decline emerged on this day in 1994 when they were defeated by India in the first Test in Bombay. Chasing 363, West Indies found themselves struggling at 82 for 5. Despite a resilient partnership from Jimmy Adams and Junior Murray, Indian spinners secured a 96-run victory. This marked India’s tenth consecutive home Test win, signaling a shift in the cricketing landscape.
1970: Marvan Atapattu’s Unique Journey
Born on this day in 1970, Marvan Atapattu’s cricketing journey began with nerves, as he started his Test career with one run in six innings. Overcoming this shaky start, Atapattu developed into Sri Lanka’s most consistent batter. Notably, he reached double figures in a Test in Dunedin in 1996-97, almost seven years after his debut. After his playing days, Atapattu transitioned into coaching, contributing to the development of future cricketers.
1974: Gordon Greenidge’s Debut Heroics
In the first Test between West Indies and India in Bangalore, two cricketing legends, Viv Richards and Gordon Greenidge, made their Test debuts on this day in 1974. While Richards had a modest start, Greenidge left an indelible mark by scoring 93 and 107, becoming the first West Indian to make a hundred on Test debut overseas. West Indies secured a resounding 267-run win, setting the stage for Greenidge’s illustrious career.
2021: Shahrukh Khan’s Last-Ball Heroics
In a recent memory from 2021, M Shahrukh Khan’s last-ball six led Tamil Nadu to their second successive Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory against Karnataka. Chasing a target of 152, Shahrukh Khan’s heroics secured a thrilling four-wicket win for Tamil Nadu in the final in Delhi. The match showcased the excitement and unpredictability that makes cricket a beloved sport.
These moments etched in cricket history on November 22 remind us of the sport’s rich tapestry, where talent, resilience, and unpredictability converge to create enduring memories.
