March 12, 2006, was a memorable day for cricket when in the glorious history of ODIs, uptil that time, 872 runs were registered in a single match played between South Africa and Australia. In an unparalleled show by Herschelle Gibbs, South Africa chased down the 435 run target to win a match held at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, 19 years ago today.
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So started the Tour by Australia to South Africa with five ODIs, with the series-level after four games.
On this day, in the fifth ODI, the visiting captain Ricky Ponting won the toss in Johannesburg and opted to bat first.
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With a sparkling performance by the top order, Australia scripted history by becoming the first-ever team to breach the 400-run mark in this format. Adam Gilchrist and Simon Katich stitched together a fleeting 97 for the first wicket in 15.2 overs, while Ricky Ponting -164; starred for the team.
Coming at No. 3, the Australian skipper hit thirteen boundaries and nine sixes during his innings of 105 balls. Gilchrist scored a brisk 55 from 44 balls, while Katich made 79.
Michael Hussey continued to punish with an 81, laced with nine fours and three sixes, and Andrew Symonds added an unbeaten 27 to take the Australians to 434 runs in 50 overs.
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South Africa got off to a shaky start but still had some belief that they may overcome the great target. After the second over saw the exit of opener Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs unleashed his batting display, supported by captain Greame Smith. The duo, with their partnership of 190 runs, laid the foundation necessary for the successful chase.
Smith was dismissed by Michael Clarke for 90, but AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis were also dismissed cheaply. Gibbs, however, held up one end with 175 runs before being dismissed by Andrew Symonds.
Mark Boucher and Johan van der-Wath took their team home. Van der-Wath scored 35 off 16 balls, with a strike rate of 193; Boucher, who remained not out on 50, also hit the winning boundary off Brett Lee and brought South Africa to this magnificent chasing target in the second-last ball of the innings to register the highest chase in ODI history.
