Top three performances of Makhaya Ntini in ODIs

The first Black African to play cricket for South Africa, Makhaya Ntini, was a torchbearer for athletes of colour in a country with a history of sociopolitical turmoil. He was a bankable bowler who could dismantle teams at his peak because of his scorching pace, unwavering attitude, and tenacious determination. With Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock, he was part of a deadly three-pronged pace attack which blew teams apart.

Ntini has had a decorated Test career, becoming the first Black South African cricketer to play 100 Test matches. He was a maverick with the red cherry in hand, picking up 390 wickets, averaging 28.82, striking at 53.4 at an economy of 3.23. He has picked up 18 five-wicket hauls and 4 ten-wicket match hauls, and is the Proteas’ third-highest Test wicket-taker behind Pollock and Donald.

Here are the top three performances of Makhaya Ntini in ODIs

10/145 vs New Zealand, Centurion, April 15-19, 2006

Ntini was at his searing best in the Test series against New Zealand, and showed his class in the first Test at Centurion with a 10-wicket match haul. Batting first, the Proteas scored just 276 in their first innings, kept at bay by four-wicket hauls from Kyle Mills and James Franklin. Ntini picked up 5 for 94 in the first innings as New Zealand made 327 on the back of Jacob Oram’s century. The Proteas put on 299, leaving New Zealand with a chase of 249 in the fourth innings. It is here where Ntini showed his class, taking apart the New Zealand batting lineup. Bowling in tandem with a rookie Dale Steyn, Ntini tore into the Kiwis, picking up four wickets, leaving New Zealand reeling at 28 for 6 in the 13th over. He finished with figures of 5 for 41 in 14 overs as the Black Caps were bundled out for 120.

10/220 vs England, Lord’s, July 31 – August 03, 2003

While this Ntini performance may not move many on the scorecard, its historical significance remains vital to South African cricket. South Africa elected to field in the second of a five-match Test series at Lord’s, coming off the back of a draw in the first Test. Ntini, cashing in on metronomic bowling from Pollock at the other end, finished with figures of 5 for 75 in 17 overs as the Three Lions were bowled out for 173 in the first innings. Smith scored a mammoth 259, supported by a century from Gary Kirsten, as the Proteas declared on a mammoth 682 for 6 with a massive 509-run lead. The South African bowlers were made to toil hard as England worked on minimising as much of the deficit as possible. Ntini bowled 31 overs to pick up 5 for 145 as England were finally bowled out for 417, giving the Proteas an innings and 92-run win to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Ntini’s figures were the first time a South African bowler had taken a 10-fer at Lord’s, etching his name into the history books.

13/132 vs West Indies, Port of Spain, April 08 – 12, 2005

Ntini’s best bowling figures in Test cricket came in 2005, when he picked up 13 wickets in the gruelling Port of Spain heat. Batting first, Brian Lara’s magnificent 196 took the West Indies to 347. Ntini toiled hard, bowling 28 overs for his 6 for 95. Captain Graeme Smith’s 148 and vital runs from multiple batters took the Proteas to 396, handing them a vital lead and a platform to build on. It was in the second innings that Ntini roared to life, breaking the game open for South Africa. He picked up 7 for 37 in a brilliant spell with an old ball, bundling the Windies out for 190. South Africa made light work of the 144-run target, winning by eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Ntini’s performance remains, to date, the best match figures for a South African bowler in Test history.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket playes and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!