Saw the most sizzling ODI in many years. A world-record reply from South Africa for a world-record challenge from Australia.
6:00 pm. I entered the TV room and Prasanth said, "See the score of Australia." I stared with wonder at the seemingly magical figure of 434-4. "Man, a world record!" I exclaimed.
7:30 pm. Sreeni and Shyamala were ready to go out for dinner, but as we neared the TV room to see the score, heard ecstatic applause from Aby . Herschelle Gibbs was mercilessly punishing the Aussie bowlers. We were literally glued to the screen with occasional ear-piercing cries and applause. He was 175. Just then, he was caught out. Disappointed, we went to the canteen.
9:00 pm. We returned to the TV room, SA was 48 to win from 59 balls. Height of tension.
9:25 pm. Hall was out, Lee’s delivery. Ntini came as the last man. Two runs to win. Ntini hit, and I was screaming "Run you bastard!" One run from two balls. Boucher struck a four, and history!
Our TV room was virtually shaking. We were all jumping out of joy. That was The match! I was reliving the excitement I had long back during the final of the 1998 Dhaka Independence Cup, when India beat Pakistan, chasing the 304 challenge. The match fixing scam had drained out the excitement. The old vigour is back!
Headlines in many online editions of newspapers are as follows
South Africa shock Aus, create one-day history - Hindustan Times
Cricket 'Dhamaka': SA makes history, smash ODI record - Times of India
Unbelievable! - DNA
ODI history: Australia 434/4, S Africa 438/9 - Indian Express
Avishwasaneeyam! (Unbelievable!) - Mathrubhoomi
Ithaanu kali! (This is The match!) - Malayala Manorama
