A record-shattering ODI clash took place between South Africa and Australia in Johannesburg on March 12, 2006. It was the first time that 400-run mark was crossed in an ODI innings as Australia posted a record-total of 434/4 in their 50 overs. However, the match wasn’t over after the first innings as the Proteas went on to chase the target of 435 runs to smash the record for the highest successful chase in ODIs.
Batting first, Australia got a flying start as Adam Gilchrist and Simon Katich put up a partnership of 97 runs for the first wicket in 15.2 overs. Gilchrist scored 55(44) while Katich got out after scoring 79(90) runs, hitting nine fours and a six. After that, skipper Ricky Ponting took charge of the innings and played a captain’s knock of 164(105) runs, smashing 13 fours and nine sixes. Apart from that, Michael Hussey also contributed with 81(51) runs while Andrew Symonds scored quickfire 27(13) runs as Australia crossed the 400-run mark for the first time in ODI cricket.
Herschelle Gibbs smashed 175 as South Africa completed record run-chase in ODIs
Chasing the winning target, South Africa got a poor start as they lost their first wicket at the score of just three runs. After that, skipper Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs took charge of the innings as the duo put up a partnership of 187 runs for the second wicket. Smith smashed 90(55) runs with 13 fours and two sixes, while Gibbs went on to become a top scorer with 175 runs off 111 balls, hitting 21 fours and seven sixes.
In the final overs of the match, Johan van der Wath scored a quickfire 35(18) runs while Mark Boucher remained unbeaten on 50*(43) runs as the Proteas completed a historic run chase in 49.5 overs with one wicket in hand.
