OTD: Allan Donald became the first South African to take 300 Test wickets in 2000

Legendary South African pacer Allan Donald, on this very day, 25 years ago, registered his name in history books by claiming his 300th Test wicket against New Zealand in Bloemfontein, becoming the first bowler from his country to achieve the feat. It took him 13,672 deliveries to get to the mark.

Throughout his career, Donald was more than just a routine bowler; he was a leader of the bowling unit. His partnerships with players like Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini created one of the most formidable pace attacks in the world. 

The Test match began with South Africa, after electing to bat, scoring 471/9 declared, thanks to a brilliant knock of 160 from Jacques Kallis and contributions from Neil McKenzie and Mark Boucher. Donald even chipped in with an unbeaten 21. In reply, New Zealand were bundled to 229 in their first innings, with Donald picking three wickets and Shaun Pollock picking up four wickets.

Forced to follow on, New Zealand’s innings was anchored by Stephen Fleming’s 99, and Craig McMillan’s 78 took them to 342, setting South Africa a target of 101. Donald again picked a three-haul and the landmark moment arrived when he dismissed New Zealand opener Mark Richardson in the second innings.

However, the star with the ball was Makhaya Ntini, who delivered a match-winning spell of 6 for 66, earning a share of the Player of the Match award alongside Kallis. Despite the decent target, South Africa lost early wickets, courtesy of Daryl Tuffey. However, Boucher’s quick-fire 22 took South Africa home by five wickets.

For Donald, this Test was a memorable and historic one. Just three years later, in 2003, he brought the curtains down on a remarkable decade-long career in Johannesburg against Australia. The right-arm quick finished his career with 330 and 272 wickets in Test and ODIs, respectively.

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