Cricket, a sport steeped in tradition and history, has witnessed numerous noteworthy events on September 28th throughout the years. From legendary players’ birthdays to historic matches and remarkable performances, this date has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the cricketing milestones that occurred on this day.
1946 – Birth of Majid Khan: The Regal Cricketer
On September 28, 1946, the cricketing world welcomed the birth of Majid Khan, a player who would go on to leave an indelible mark on the sport. Majid Khan, the cousin of the legendary Imran Khan, made his Test debut at the tender age of 18 primarily as a bowler. However, his scintillating strokeplay soon propelled him to the middle order.
Majid Khan’s most celebrated moment came when he became the first Pakistani, and the first individual in 42 years, to score a Test century before lunch. This remarkable feat was achieved against New Zealand in Karachi during the 1976-77 season. Notably, Majid Khan’s prowess was not confined to the international stage; he also had memorable performances at the domestic level.
One such instance was when he led Punjab University to victory over Karachi with an unbeaten double-hundred, a remarkable achievement considering the dire situation they were in at 5 for 4. Additionally, Majid Khan’s explosive 147 in just 89 minutes for Pakistan against Glamorgan in 1967 remains etched in cricketing history. During this innings, he smashed an astonishing 13 sixes, including five in a single over from the offspinner Roger Davis.
Majid Khan’s contributions to cricket were further recognized when he was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1970. Over the course of his Test career, he amassed nearly 4000 runs in 63 matches before transitioning into roles as an ICC match referee and later the chief executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
1960 – Birth of Gus Logie: The West Indian Wizard
Gus Logie, the diminutive West Indian wizard, was born on September 28, 1960. Known for his brilliance as a short leg fielder and his ability to counterattack as a middle-order batsman, Logie specialized in playing aggressive cameos lower down the order. Teaming up with Jeff Dujon, he often proved to be a thorn in the side of England.
Two memorable instances of Logie’s prowess were witnessed at Lord’s in 1988 and in Trinidad in 1989-90. In 1988, when West Indies were reeling at 54 for 5, Logie played a crucial role in a memorable comeback. Similarly, in Trinidad in 1989-90, when West Indies were struggling at 29 for 5, Logie once again showcased his ability to counterattack.
Standing at just 5 feet 4 inches, Logie played his final Test at Edgbaston in 1991, finishing his international career with 2470 runs at an impressive average of 35.79. Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching, which included stints with Canada during the 2003 World Cup and the West Indies team until the end of 2004. He later served as the coach of Bermuda until September 2009.
2018 – Kedar Jadhav’s Heroics in the Asia Cup
On September 28, 2018, Kedar Jadhav played a pivotal role in India’s thrilling victory in the Asia Cup. In the final match, Jadhav contributed both with the ball and the bat. Batting at No. 7, he provided a valuable contribution, but his most memorable moment came with the ball.
However, Jadhav had to overcome adversity as he suffered a hamstring injury during the match. Remarkably, he returned to the field in the 48th over and, with sheer determination, helped India secure victory on the last ball of the innings. This triumph marked India’s seventh Asia Cup title.
The match was not short on drama, with Bangladesh’s Liton Das making his first ODI century earlier in the day. He, along with makeshift opener Mehidy Hasan, put on a partnership of 120 runs. However, India’s spinners turned the tide, restricting Bangladesh and ultimately ensuring their victory.
1975 – Stuart Clark’s Dream Start to Test Career
Stuart Clark, the tall and lanky fast bowler, had a dream start to his Test career on September 28, 1975, when he was born. However, it was only in 2006, at the age of 30, that he made his Test debut for Australia. In his debut series in South Africa, he impressed with a remarkable performance, earning him the Player-of-the-Series award for taking 20 wickets at an average of 15.75.
Clark continued his success in the 2006-07 Ashes series, where Australia triumphed 5-0, by picking up 26 wickets at an average of 17. Despite his impressive performances, injuries took a toll on his career, and he was eventually overlooked in favor of younger bowlers following the 2009 Ashes series.
Clark then shifted his focus to New South Wales cricket and, in 2011, became the general manager of the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.
1971 – Matthew Elliott’s Promising Start and Subsequent Challenges
In 1971, Matthew Elliott, a tall and long-nosed batsman, was born. He showcased immense promise early in his career, particularly during the 1997 Ashes series when he emerged as the top scorer on either side with 556 runs. However, within a year of being named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1998, Elliott’s international career took a downturn.
Elliott’s struggles with form were a contributing factor to his decline, including a series in the West Indies in 1998-99 where he recorded three ducks in six innings. Additionally, his relationship with Australian captain Steve Waugh soured during the West Indies tour, further complicating matters.
While he continued to play for Glamorgan in 2000, 2004, and 2005, and represented Yorkshire as a replacement in 2002, Elliott’s international career was effectively curtailed.
1996 – Muthiah Muralidaran and Romesh Kaluwitharana Shine in Nairobi
In Nairobi, Kenya, history was made on September 28, 1996, when Sri Lanka played their first official one-day international (ODI). Facing Kenya, Muthiah Muralidaran and Romesh Kaluwitharana delivered standout performances.
Muralidaran, known for his exceptional spin bowling, claimed 4 wickets for just 18 runs, putting a stranglehold on Kenya’s batting lineup. Kaluwitharana, on the other hand, exhibited explosive batting by scoring an 89-ball century. Sri Lanka comfortably secured victory by seven wickets with nearly 20 overs to spare in the inaugural match of the Kenya Centenary Cup.
2018 – D’Arcy Short’s Record-Breaking Innings
On September 28, 2018, D’Arcy Short etched his name in cricket’s record books with a stunning innings. Representing Western Australia in the JLT One-Day Cup, Short compiled an astonishing 257 runs. This remarkable knock ranks as the third highest individual List A score of all time.
What made Short’s innings even more extraordinary was his ability to clear the boundary ropes with ease. In the process, he smashed an incredible 23 sixes, establishing a new record for the most sixes in a List A innings. Short’s remarkable performance saw him reach his 100, 150, 200, and 250 runs with maximums, leaving a lasting impression on the cricketing world.
1973 – Kathryn Leng: England’s Leading Female Legspinner
Kathryn Leng, England’s leading female legspinner, was born on September 28, 1973. Her journey into cricket began at a young age when, at just six years old, she expressed her determination to play cricket for England. True to her word, Leng went on to achieve that goal.
In a historic moment in 1999, Kathryn Leng became the first woman to play in the men’s Bradford League. She further etched her name in history by becoming the first woman to participate in a university match, representing Leeds/Bradford UCCE.
1984 – The First Floodlit One-Day International
On September 28, 1984, cricket witnessed its first-ever floodlit one-day international (ODI) outside Australia. The match took place in New Delhi and featured Australia taking on India. Kepler Wessels, an Australian cricketer, played a pivotal role in this historic encounter.
Wessels, known for his stoic approach, broke his usual pattern by playing some aggressive shots during this ODI. He went on to score 107 runs, marking the only ODI century of his career. Australia secured a comfortable 48-run victory over India in the first match of a five-match series.
1988 – Javed Miandad Denies Australia in Faisalabad
In the second Test match in Faisalabad on September 28, 1988, Javed Miandad, the legendary Pakistani batsman, thwarted Australia’s attempts to square the series. What made this innings particularly noteworthy was the fact that Miandad was given out leg-before-wicket (lbw) for only the fourth time in 63 Test innings on home soil.
However, by the time he departed, Miandad had contributed significantly, scoring 107 runs, which marked his 19th Test century. Throughout his illustrious career, Miandad was dismissed lbw just eight times in Tests on Pakistani soil, compared to 25 times overseas.
Other Birthdays on September 28th:
- 1964: Irfan Bhatti (Pakistan)
- 1973: Colin Stuart (West Indies)
- 1984: Malcolm Waller (Zimbabwe)
- 1984: Luke Pomersbach (Australia)
