On this day in the rich tapestry of cricketing history, several remarkable and groundbreaking events unfolded, etching their significance in the sport’s annals. Let’s delve into the intriguing events that transpired on October 31:
1976: Javed Miandad’s Phenomenal Double Century
A mere 19 years and 141 days old, Javed Miandad scripted history by becoming the youngest player to achieve a Test double-century. In his third Test, Miandad’s astounding 206-run innings bolstered Pakistan’s formidable score of 565 for 9 against New Zealand in Karachi. Despite New Zealand’s resilient efforts through Warren Lees’ 152 and Richard Hadlee’s 81, the match culminated in a draw, witnessing a total of 1585 runs for the loss of 31 wickets.
1990: Waqar Younis’ Dominant Spell
Dubbed “Hurricane Waqar,” the legendary bowler delivered an exceptional performance against New Zealand in Faisalabad, propelling Pakistan to a remarkable 3-0 series victory. Waqar’s astounding 29 wickets at an average of 10.86, coupled with his match-winning performance, solidified his emergence in the cricketing realm.
1987: Chetan Sharma’s World Cup Hat-Trick
Chetan Sharma etched his name in cricketing history by executing the first World Cup hat-trick. Sharma’s incredible feat included dismissing Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith, and Ewen Chatfield in consecutive deliveries. India clinched a resounding victory over New Zealand by nine wickets, with Sunil Gavaskar’s only one-day hundred contributing to the triumph.
1895: Birth of India’s First Test Captain – Colonel CK Nayudu
Colonel Cottari “CK” Nayudu, an upright and prolific batter, emerged as India’s first Test captain. His illustrious career spanned seven Tests, with his memorable innings at The Oval in 1936 exemplifying his determination and grit.
1984: Turbulence in Cricket Tours
The second one-day match between Pakistan and India in Sialkot was called off following the tragic assassination of Indira Gandhi, the Indian prime minister. This incident resulted in the cancellation of the remainder of the tour. Around the same time, England’s tour to India faced a potential halt when Percy Norris, the British deputy high commissioner, was fatally shot after hosting a reception for the touring party.
1984: Birth of Ish Sodhi
Ludhiana-born leg-spinner Ish Sodhi entered the New Zealand Test squad in 2013, showcasing immense promise in his spin bowling. While his potential occasionally evaded his Test performances, Sodhi demonstrated his prowess in limited-overs cricket. Notably, his stellar bowling figures against India in the 2016 World T20 stand as a testament to his skill and talent.
In conclusion, October 31 serves as a pivotal day in cricket history, witnessing exceptional feats, iconic debuts, and tragic incidents, each leaving an indelible mark in the sport’s illustrious journey.
