The one-day international between South Africa and Australia in Johannesburg is widely regarded as the greatest ODI match of all time. It was a high-scoring thriller that shattered records and left cricket fans in awe.
Australia, batting first, unleashed a brutal assault on the South African bowling attack. Captain Ricky Ponting led from the front, scoring a breathtaking 164 off just 105 balls. His innings was laced with exquisite stroke play and aggressive intent, as he dominated the bowlers with ease. Supported by key contributions from other batsmen, Australia amassed a monumental total of 434 for 4 in their 50 overs. This was the first time in ODI history that a team had crossed the 400-run mark, setting an almost unthinkable target for the Proteas.
Chasing 435 seemed like an impossible task, but South Africa, refusing to back down, produced one of the most remarkable batting performances in cricket history. Herschelle Gibbs was the star of the show, playing a sensational knock of 175 off just 111 balls. His innings was a masterclass in stroke-making, filled with boundaries that kept the home crowd on the edge of their seats. He received valuable support from Graeme Smith, who played a captain’s knock, and later from Mark Boucher, who guided the team in the tense final moments.
The match saw an explosion of runs, with a record-breaking 87 fours and 26 sixes being hit. As the game reached its climax, South Africa needed just one run to win off the final two deliveries with only one wicket in hand. Mark Boucher held his nerve and struck the winning runs with a ball to spare, sealing a historic victory for South Africa.
The win gave South Africa a 3-2 series triumph and left Australia shell-shocked. Mick Lewis, the Australian bowler, had a particularly forgettable day, returning the worst figures in ODI history—113 runs in his 10 overs without taking a wicket. This match remains a defining moment in cricket, a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of the sport.
