Cricket is one of the most popular sports globally, with a rich history filled with incredible moments and records. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual follower, these Amazing-Cricket-Facts will amaze you!
- The Longest Cricket Match in History
The longest cricket match ever played was a Test match between England and South Africa in 1939. The game lasted for 12 days and still ended without a winner! Known as the "Timeless Test," it was eventually declared a draw because the English team had to catch a ship home.
- Sachin Tendulkar Played for Pakistan Before India
Believe it or not, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar briefly fielded for Pakistan during a practice match in 1987 before he started his international career with India. At just 14 years old, Tendulkar was a substitute fielder for Pakistan in a warm-up game against India.
- The Highest Individual Score in ODIs
Rohit Sharma holds the record for the highest individual score in a One Day International (ODI) match. In 2014, he scored a mind-blowing 264 runs against Sri Lanka in Kolkata, a record that remains unbeaten to this day.
- The Only Player to Hit 6 Sixes in an Over Twice
Yuvraj Singh is famous for hitting six sixes in an over against Stuart Broad in the 2007 T20 World Cup. However, the West Indies cricketer, Kieron Pollard, achieved this incredible feat in international cricket as well, making him part of this elite club.
- The Unique Case of a Tied Test Match
A tied Test match is a rare occurrence in cricket. To date, only two Test matches have ever ended in a tie: one in 1960 between Australia and the West Indies, and another in 1986 between India and Australia.
- Jim Laker’s 19-Wicket Haul
In 1956, England’s Jim Laker achieved an extraordinary record by taking 19 wickets in a single Test match against Australia. No other bowler has come close to this incredible feat, making it one of the most astonishing records in cricket history.
- The Fastest Fifty in T20 Cricket
Yuvraj Singh also holds the record for the fastest fifty in T20 international cricket. He scored his half-century in just 12 balls against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup, during the same match where he hit 6 sixes in an over.
- First International Hat-Trick by a Female Cricketer
Anjalie Savin became the first female cricketer to take a hat-trick in the world of international cricket, a feat that remains unmatched in her unique club and teams.
Cricket is full of remarkable stories, records, and moments that highlight its unpredictable nature. Here are more astonishing cricket facts that even some hardcore fans might not know.
- The First-Ever Cricket World Cup
The first Cricket World Cup was held in 1975 in England. Unlike today’s format, it was a 60-over per side tournament, and all matches were played in traditional white clothing with red balls. The West Indies emerged victorious, defeating Australia in the final.
- The Shortest Ever Test Match
The shortest Test match ever was played between Australia and South Africa in 1932. The match lasted only five hours and 53 minutes, with Australia winning by an innings and 72 runs. South Africa was bowled out twice in a single day!
- Chris Gayle: The Universe Boss
Chris Gayle, known for his explosive batting, is the only player to hit a six off the first ball of a Test match. He achieved this unique feat against Bangladesh in 2012. Gayle’s aggressive style has earned him the nickname "Universe Boss."
- The First Hat-Trick in ODI Cricket
India’s Chetan Sharma became the first bowler to take a hat-trick in ODI cricket. He achieved this milestone against New Zealand in the 1987 World Cup, dismissing three batsmen consecutively with perfect deliveries.
- The Highest Partnership in Test Cricket
The highest partnership in Test cricket was set by Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka in 2006. They put together a mammoth 624-run stand against South Africa in Colombo, a record that remains unbroken.
- The Fastest Century in ODI Cricket
AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He reached his hundred in just 31 balls against the West Indies in 2015, displaying an incredible range of shots and power-hitting ability.
- Most Runs in a Single Over in Tests
The record for the most runs scored in a single over in Test cricket is held by Brian Lara. He hit 28 runs off South Africa’s Robin Peterson in 2003, smashing 4 fours and 2 sixes in one over.
- The Only Bowler to Take All 10 Wickets Twice
India’s Anil Kumble and England's Jim Laker are the only bowlers in Test cricket history to take all 10 wickets in an innings. Kumble achieved this remarkable feat against Pakistan in 1999, etching his name in cricketing history.
- Most Ducks in International Cricket
Courtney Walsh, the legendary West Indian fast bowler, holds the unwanted record for the most ducks (dismissed for zero) in international cricket. He was dismissed without scoring 43 times during his career, but his incredible bowling more than made up for it!
- The First Double Century in ODIs
Sachin Tendulkar became the first cricketer to score a double century in ODI cricket. He achieved this historic milestone in 2010 against South Africa, paving the way for more double centuries in the shorter format.
These fun and surprising cricket facts highlight the rich history and thrilling nature of the sport. Whether it’s jaw-dropping records or unique moments, cricket never fails to amaze!
