Cricket On This Day: July 2 – Gavaskar’s Historic Century, South Africa’s 1999 World Cup Shock & Smriti Mandhana’s Rise

July 01, 2025

🎯 Introduction: A Day of Milestones and Cricketing Drama

July 2 has been a canvas painted with historic centuries, shocking upsets, and the rise of new cricketing stars. From the golden bat of Sunil Gavaskar to the heartbreaking exit of South Africa in the 1999 World Cup, and the inspiring emergence of Smriti Mandhana in women's cricket, this date carries stories that have shaped the game forever.

This post unpacks these moments with detailed match summaries, player stats, memorable quotes, trivia, and more — all designed to keep you hooked and informed.

Cricket On This Day

🏏 1. 1971: Sunil Gavaskar’s Masterclass Century Against England at Old Trafford

Match Summary:

Match: India vs England, 2nd Test, 1971
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Date: July 2, 1971
Result: India won by 4 wickets — India’s first Test series win in England

In the annals of cricket history, Sunil Gavaskar’s innings of 116 in challenging English conditions stands out as a moment of immense grit and technique. Batting on a seamer-friendly pitch, Gavaskar displayed impeccable timing and concentration.

Key Highlights:

His century was instrumental in India chasing down 184 runs, which was considered a tough target in seaming conditions.
Gavaskar’s calm and calculated approach anchored the innings, guiding India to a historic victory.
This series victory marked a turning point for Indian cricket, signaling the nation’s arrival on the global Test stage.

Impact:

The win boosted India’s confidence and changed the perception of subcontinental teams abroad.
Gavaskar’s technique and temperament became a blueprint for future generations of Indian batsmen.
India’s 1971 tour of England remains one of their most celebrated overseas triumphs.

Quote:

“Gavaskar’s bat was a sword of patience; his century was a battle won.” – Cricket historian Ramachandra Guha

💥 2. 1999: South Africa’s Heartbreaking World Cup Semi-final Exit

Tournament Context:

The 1999 Cricket World Cup is remembered for intense competition and nail-biting finishes. South Africa, often dubbed the “chokers” for their unfortunate exits, suffered one of the most dramatic moments in cricket history on July 2, 1999.

Match Summary:

Match: Semi-final – South Africa vs Australia
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Date: July 2, 1999
Result: Match tied; Australia progressed to the final on superior net run rate

Key Moments:

South Africa needed 9 runs off the last over with 1 wicket remaining.
Allan Donald’s controversial run-out while attempting the winning run ended South Africa’s dream.
The match ended in a tie, but Australia advanced, eventually winning the tournament.

Impact:

This exit deepened South Africa’s “chokers” tag in World Cups.
Led to major introspection and reforms in South African cricket.
The run-out remains one of the most replayed and debated moments in cricket history.

Fan Reaction:

“Donald’s run-out was cricket’s cruelest heartbreak — the moment fans remember with tears and what-ifs.” – Former player and commentator

🌟 3. 2016: Smriti Mandhana’s Breakthrough on the International Stage

July 2 also marks an important milestone in the career of Smriti Mandhana, one of India’s brightest women cricketers.

Match Summary:

Match: India Women vs England Women, 1st ODI, 2016
Venue: Derby, England
Date: July 2, 2016
Performance: Mandhana scored a vital 63 runs, helping India secure a competitive total.

Significance:

Mandhana’s elegant strokeplay and fearless approach garnered international attention.
She was later named ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2018).
Her innings on July 2 laid the foundation for India’s rise in women’s cricket globally.

Quotes:

“Mandhana plays with the heart of a lion and the grace of a dancer.” – Mithali Raj

Trivia:

Smriti Mandhana’s batting style has often been compared to Sachin Tendulkar for its balance of aggression and technique.
She is one of the few women cricketers to score 1,000+ runs in T20 Internationals.

📜 4. Other Historical Moments on July 2

2007: Bangladesh Beats Australia in a Shocking Upset

In the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, Bangladesh stunned cricket fans by defeating Australia on July 2, signaling the rise of Associate and emerging cricket nations.

1985: Graham Gooch Scores a Double Century for England

Gooch’s powerful innings on July 2, 1985, reinforced England’s dominance during that era.

🤯 Trivia & Fun Facts

Sunil Gavaskar was the first to reach 10,000 Test runs.
Allan Donald’s run-out in 1999 has been described as cricket’s “most tragic dismissal.”
Smriti Mandhana is known for her trademark cover drive, considered one of the prettiest in women’s cricket.

🏁 Conclusion: July 2 – A Day of Cricketing Highs and Heartbreaks

July 2 exemplifies the passion, drama, and evolution of cricket. From Gavaskar’s historic masterclass and South Africa’s agonizing near-miss to Mandhana’s inspiring ascent, this day reminds us of cricket’s ability to craft unforgettable narratives across generations.

Stay tuned for July 3—another chapter in the never-ending story of cricket.