Amazing cricket facts to knock your socks off!
- Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, the grandfather of Saif Ali Khan, is the first cricketer to have represented both India and England in Test matches.
The eighth Nawab of Pataudi, Nawab Mohammad Iftikhar Ali Khan Siddiqui Pataudi, popularly known as IAK Pataudi, led the Indian national cricket team on their 1946 tour to England.
IAK Pataudi had a unique distinction in that he also participated in Test cricket for the England squad in 1932 and 1934, making him one of the select few players to have represented both India and England in Test matches. His six Test matches were three as India’s captain and three for England.
2. India is the only nation to have won the World Cup in the 60-, 50-, and 20-over divisions.
The 60, 50, and 20-over Cricket World Cups have all been won by India, the only nation to do so. India won the 20-over and 50-over World Cups under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2007 and 2011, respectively, after their victory in the last 60-over World Cup in 1983 under Kapil Dev’s leadership. It’s interesting that only the West Indies have a chance to match the achievement.
3. South Africa needed 111 runs to win at 11:11 on the morning of 11/11/11.
The first Test between South Africa and Australia was taking place in Cape Town when this synchronicity happened. South Africa was 125 for 1 and still needed 111 runs to win at 11:11 on November 11th, 2011. (I, the writer, turned 11 that day).
4. The only bowler to take a hat-trick on his birthday is Peter Siddle.
The only bowler in the history of international cricket to take a hat-trick on his birthday is Peter Siddle. On November 25, 2010, this took place during the Brisbane Test match versus England.
5. Before playing for India, Sachin Tendulkar has represented Pakistan.
Can you imagine Sachin Tendulkar playing for Pakistan before India? Tendulkar entered the field for Pakistan as a replacement fielder during an exhibition game between India and Pakistan in 1987 at the Brabourne Stadium.
