Cricket

#OTDTY: The first ever Men’s T20 International was played on this day in 2005.

Jeremy Caroll

Today is a special day for all cricket enthusiasts since it was on this day in 2005, 17 years ago, that the world experienced the first ever Men’s T20 International match between Australia and New Zealand in Auckland. On August 5, 2004, England and New Zealand women’s teams played the first ever T20 international in Hove. It’s been 17 years since the inaugural men’s international T20 tournament was held.

Australia triumphed by 44 runs at Eden Park in the format’s international debut for men, scoring 214-5 in their 20 overs.
Ricky Ponting led the way with an undefeated 98 off 55 balls, which included eight fours and five sixes. Despite a valiant 66 by Scott Styris, Michael Kasprowicz took 4-29 to lead the Australians to victory.

Ponting said a few years ago that he had the impression it was all a publicity stunt, but his 98* was as stroke-filled as ever, and it remained the greatest individual score until Chris Gayle’s century in the 2007 World T20.

It was in the same match when Mcgrath bowled an under-arm delivery for which the umpire declared him a warning card. It was merely a fun banter from Mcgrath as Australia had already won the game. New Zealand needed 45 runs off the last ball whem Mcgrath amused the crowd.

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