England beat South Africa in last ball of match

In the game of cricket there has been many interesting incidents that has made the game lively. To win the match is any one's wish, but to win a game in the last ball of the match, is nerve-tingling.

Has there been any instance of a side winning a match in the last ball of the match? Yes, there is one on record - the Test match between England and South Africa at Durban in 1948.

It was no doubt a thriller and England beat South Africa by two wickets off the final ball with a leg-bye. In the first innings, South Africa could score only 161 in the face of some accurate bowling by Alec Bedser (4 for 39) and Cliff Gladwin. The bowlers were aided by some outstanding fielding.

With Len Hutton making a crisp 83 and Dennis Compton contributing 72, England gained a lead of 92 runs.

"Tuffy" Man (6 for 59) and Athol Rown (4 for 108) were South Africa's leading bowlers.

In the second innings, South Africa were all out for 219. Wade made 63. For the England team Douglas Wright took 4 for 72.England needed 128 runs for a win in 135 minutes. Five minutes were lost due to injury to Dudley Nourse and a sharp shower reduced play by a further 12 minutes. England went for runs from the first ball. The eighth wicket fell at 116, still 12 runs needed and 10 minutes left. Nineteen-year-old speedster Cuan McCarthy, who claimed six wickets in his debut, seemed to be on the kill.

The light further deteriorated. It was so dark, either side could have appealed but neither did. Gladwin offered a catch off the first ball he received but was dropped. The fielder could not sight the ball. With three balls remaining, needed two runs to win with two wickets in hand. Bedser levelled the score with two balls left.

Gladwin had a mighty swipe but missed the seventh ball.

Now the important final delivery. Bedser and Gladwin, perhaps, decided to run, come what may! Gladwin again failed to connect, the ball hit his thigh and the batsman galloped to glory. England won off the final ball with a leg bye! Both Bedser and Gladwin executed a one-step dance on the field to celebrate this moment.

AC de S