Summary of this article
2006 record-breaking match saw SA chase down 434 against AUS in Jo'burg
Aggregate score of 872 runs is the highest-ever in a ODI match till date
AUS batted first in the game with Ponting scoring a century
Cricket matches have often left a profound mark on the memories of many fans and enthusiasts but none better than that remarkable One-Day International match that took place between South Africa and Australia in Johannesburg in 2006.
300 run target was once considered as unbeatable but sport has evolved wherein players can now achieve 400-run mark as well.
20 years to this day, South Africa and Australia played one of cricket's most astonishing matches that has etched itself in the history books. The 5th SA vs AUS match was played at the Wanderers Stadium.
Australia batted first in this game and scored at an unprecedented rate with openers Adam Gilchrist (55 runs) and Simon Katich (79 runs) laying a solid foundation for the team. Skipper Ricky Ponting played an incredible knock of 164 with Michael Hussey contributing with 81 runs.
Australia posted a daunting 434 runs in 50 overs on a flat Wanderers track. Proteas lost an early wicket but Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs scored 187 runs in 20.5 overs. Smith registered 90 but it was Gibbs who stole the show with a magnificent 175.
The match reached a thrilling finish with the hosts requiring 7 runs off the final over with two wickets in hand. After scoring 5 runs in the first two deliveries, Proteas lost a wicket on the third ball. However, Mark Boucher sealed the deal for South Africa by hitting the winning runs off the fifth ball.
The match saw many records being broken with the teams hitting a combined of 87 fours and 26 sixes, totaling 54 boundaries alone. The score aggregate came to 872 runs, which is a record for a ODI match which is still unbeaten to this day.
