One of the strangest coincidences occurred in the history of cricket during a Test match between South Africa and Australia on November 11, 2011. Chasing a target of 236 on day three, the Proteas reached a situation where they needed 111 runs to win the match, at 11:11 am on the 11th date of the 11th month of the year. Apart from this, the year was also 2011, making it one of the rarest sites in cricket history.
The iconic moment also got an extraordinary response from the spectators present at the stadium at that time. Showing a spontaneous display of unity, all the fans along with the on-field umpire Ian Gould stood on one leg during the entire duration of that one minute when the time was 11:11 am. This incident is also popular with the name of ‘the Nelson of all Nelsons.’ This incident was also special as it cannot repeat for the next 100 years.
South Africa thrashed Australia by 8 wickets in Cape Town Test
Talking about the Test match, South Africa made a great comeback after trailing by 188 runs in the first innings. In reply to Australia’s 294 runs, the Proteas were bowled out just 96 runs with Shane Watson registering a five-wicket haul. After that, South Africa did a tremendous job with the ball as Australia were bowled out for their fourth lowest Test total of 47 runs giving the hosts a target of 236 runs even after getting a 188-run lead in the first innings.
Vernon Philander shone with the figures of 5/15 in the second innings. After that, skipper Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla came with centuries as South Africa chased the target on day three, losing just two wickets. Amla scored 112 runs off 134 balls, while Smith remained unbeaten on 101 runs off 140 balls.