- Brian Lara’s century helps WI secure a spot in the semi-finals
- Pakistan defeat Australia to brighten their chance in the semi-finals
- Ajantha Mendis is born
The following important events unfolded on 11th March during various cricketing years.
1996: Brian Lara makes a comeback in World Cup
World Cup 1996 wasn’t going the best for Brian Lara. Though he had a slow start to the campaign but all of it changed in the quarter-finals against South Africa. The left-hand batter smashed a stunning 111 off 96 balls and in reply South African side fell victim to the Caribbean spin attack losing eight wickets very quickly. They not only won the match but ended the Proteas run of ten wins in one of the most crucial games of the tournament.
1992: Australia at the Brink of Elimination during World Cup
The World Cup 1992 was probably the most memorable one for Pakistan since it’s the first and only Cup they managed to win so far. On 11th March 1992, Pakistan had locked-horns with hosts Australia in a crucial match leading to the semi-finals. With 220 runs, the green team could not put a very high total. But a stellar performance with the ball kept the Kangaroos tight and in the end, they fell short of 48 runs. Pakistan won two more matches and qualified for the semis.
1985: Mystery Sri Lankan Spinner is born
Ajantha Mendis, Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner for a short period of time was born this day. He rose to fame through his leg-breaks and ‘carrom ball’ which helped him claim eight scalps in the first Test on debut, which also included destroying a very strong Indian middle-order. The right-arm off-break bowler took 26 wickets in the series of three Test matches against India in 2008. But when his bowling style became too typical and his variations known, the bowler failed to remain in the playing 11 after 2015.
Birthdays
Arthur Ochse (South Africa,1870)
Walter Brearley (England,1876)
Dick Tyldesley (England, 1897)
George Dickinson (New Zealand, 1903)
Sydney Burke (South Africa, 1934)
John Ward (New Zealand, 1937)
Robin Brown (Zimbabwe,1951)
Andrew Zesers (Australia, 1967)
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