There was little romance for South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Bowled out for just 30 by England, they recorded their lowest-ever Test total — and the third-lowest in the game’s history. The chief architect of the destruction was George Lohmann. After taking 7 for 38 in the first innings, he produced an astonishing 8 for 7 in the second. The match was wrapped up inside two days and fewer than 200 five-ball overs, with Lohmann sealing it in fitting fashion — a hat-trick.

1931 – A Valentine’s Day Hammering

West Indies endured a brutal two-day defeat against Australia in Melbourne. Dismissed for 99 and 107 in the fourth Test, they had no answers to Bert Ironmonger, who claimed 11 wickets in the match. Meanwhile, Don Bradman continued his golden run, scoring a sublime 152 to follow up the 223 he had made in the previous Test.

2003 – Vaas Makes ODI History

While Muthiah Muralidaran was Sri Lanka’s most feared bowler in Tests, Chaminda Vaas owned this day in one-day cricket. Already the record-holder for the best ODI figures (8 for 19 against Zimbabwe), Vaas achieved something extraordinary in Pietermaritzburg. Against Bangladesh, he became the first bowler to take a hat-trick with the opening three deliveries of a match. He struck once more in the same over and finished with 6 for 25, as Sri Lanka romped to a ten-wicket win with nearly 30 overs to spare.

1968 – Chaos and Drama in Jamaica

The second Test between England and West Indies had everything. England seemed firmly in control and enforced the follow-on for the second straight match. But Garry Sobers responded with a brilliant century — after falling first ball in the first innings — setting England a tricky target of 159. Sobers and Lance Gibbs nearly engineered a famous win before England scraped home at 68 for 8. The match even stretched into a sixth day after play had been extended due to a bottle-throwing riot sparked by Basil Butcher’s controversial dismissal.

2021 – Windies Defy the Odds

West Indies secured their first overseas Test series win in four years with a gritty 17-run victory over Bangladesh in Mirpur. Missing several first-choice players due to Covid concerns, the visitors still delivered. Rahkeem Cornwall was the standout, claiming nine wickets in the match. Earlier, Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua da Silva and Alzarri Joseph had all scored over 80 in the first-innings total of 409. On a deteriorating fourth-day pitch, Bangladesh mounted a serious chase of 231, but West Indies held their nerve to seal the series.

1985 – Akram Shines, New Zealand Prevail

An 18-year-old Wasim Akram announced his arrival with a ten-wicket haul in only his second Test, but New Zealand edged a dramatic two-wicket win in Dunedin. The tension was heightened when Lance Cairns was hospitalised with a suspected fractured skull, effectively leaving New Zealand nine down. Ewen Chatfield, with a Test average of just 8, then batted for 104 gritty minutes alongside Jeremy Coney as they added 50 priceless runs — enough to clinch the series 2-0 instead of settling for a draw.

1968 – The Birth of Chris Lewis

Valentine’s Day also marks the birth of one of England’s most enigmatic cricketers, Chris Lewis. Supremely talented, he could dazzle with bat and ball, yet too often disappointed when it mattered most. From ill-judged moments at Lord’s to off-field distractions, his career never quite matched his potential. Though he scored a Test century and played key roles in several victories, many believe he could have achieved far more. He retired in 2000, and in 2008 was sentenced to 13 years in prison for smuggling cocaine.

1996 – A World Cup Slip-Up

The sixth Cricket World Cup began with England letting a golden chance slip. Chasing a modest target against New Zealand, they fell short by 11 runs. Graeme Hick played beautifully for 85, but a costly mix-up involving his runner, Mike Atherton, and Neil Fairbrother led to his run-out — the turning point of the match.

1982 – Sri Lanka’s First International Win

Sri Lanka celebrated their first victory as a Test-playing nation — even if it came in a one-day international. England appeared comfortable at 203 for 5 while chasing 216, only to collapse spectacularly, losing their final five wickets for nine runs, four of them via run-outs. It was a dramatic and embarrassing implosion for England, and a landmark moment for Sri Lanka.

1950 – Moroney’s Curious Record

Australian opener Jack Moroney enjoyed the highlight of his brief career in Johannesburg, scoring twin centuries. Strangely, it was the only Test in his seven-match career that Australia failed to win. In matches Australia didn’t win, he averaged a staggering 219; in those they did, his average dropped to just 16.

1995 – A Christchurch Run Fest

Runs flowed freely in a Shell Trophy clash between Canterbury and Wellington. Canterbury posted 496 and 476 for 2 declared but still lost by six wickets after Wellington replied with 498 for 2 declared and 475 for 4. The match produced seven centuries and an extraordinary average of 108 runs per wicket, featuring a host of international stars.

2016 – Youthful Redemption for West Indies

Amid turmoil surrounding the senior side’s payment dispute, West Indies’ Under-19 team lifted spirits by winning the Junior World Cup in Mirpur. Fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Ryan John took three wickets each to bowl India out for 145, before Keacy Carty calmly anchored the chase with an unbeaten 52. It was India’s first Youth ODI defeat since their 2014 quarter-final exit — and a proud day for West Indies cricket.

Last updated on: March 4, 2026

Historic Cricket Moments on February 14

Historic Cricket Moments on February 14

Cricketers Born on February 14

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1896 – South Africa’s Lowest Ebb