Cricket, often hailed as a game of uncertainties and nail-biting moments, has witnessed many iconic last-ball wickets throughout its history. These last-ball wickets hold a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts, as they mark the end of a player’s illustrious career and leave a lasting impact on the sport’s legacy. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of cricket and explore some of the most memorable last-ball wickets that became the fitting finale for these cricketing legends.
Legends Who Got Last Ball Wicket
Table of Contents
Glenn McGrath: The Pigeon’s Final Flutter
Glenn McGrath, fondly known as “Pigeon,” was a towering figure in Australian cricket. His ability to hit the perfect line and length consistently troubled batsmen all around the world. After dominating the world cricket scene for 14 years, McGrath played his final Test match against England at the SCG in 2007. In a fitting end to his remarkable career, he took the last-ball wicket of James Anderson, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of cricket fans worldwide.
Glenn McGrath played 124 test matches for Australia. In his long career, McGrath got 563 wickets with an average of 21.64. His best bowling figure is 8 for 24 runs against Pakistan.
Lasith Malinga: The Slinger’s Last Roar
Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan slinger, revolutionized fast bowling with his unique action and deadly yorkers. His unorthodox style baffled even the best batsmen in the world. In his final appearance in international cricket against Bangladesh, Malinga bid farewell to the sport in the most Malinga-esque manner. Lasith Malinga made the last-ball wicket record in ODI cricket. He bowled the last over with immense pressure and managed to take the last-ball victim of Mustafizur Rahman, securing victory for his team and etching his name in cricketing folklore. Malinga played 226 ODI’s for Sri Lanka. He got 338 wickets in ODI’s.
Muttiah Muralitharan: The Wizard’s Final Trick
Muttiah Muralitharan, the spin wizard from Sri Lanka, was a true master of his craft. With his unplayable variations, he is still the highest wicket-taker in both Test and ODI cricket. In his last Test match against India, Muralitharan’s final over was nothing short of dramatic. With the crowd on their feet, he dismissed Pragyan Ojha on the last ball, reaching the magical milestone of 800 Test victims. It was a fairytale ending for a bowler who had spun magic on the cricket field for years.
Muralithran played 133 tests, 350 ODI, and 13 T20I for Sri Lanka. In his long career, Murali got a total of 1347 international wickets.
Richard Hadlee: Paddles’ Perfect Farewell
Sir Richard Hadlee, the New Zealand all-rounder, was a true pioneer of his time. He was the first all-rounder to achieve 100 wickets and 1000 runs in ODI cricket. In Birmingham, July 05 – 10, 1990, his last Test match against England, Hadlee showed his class one last time by taking the last-ball victim of Devon Malcolm. It was a fitting farewell for a cricketer who had been a role model for aspiring all-rounders around the world.
Sir Richard Hadlee played 86 test matches for New Zealand. In his long career, Hadlee got 431 wickets with an average of 22.29. His last-inning bowling figure was 5 for 53 runs against Pakistan.
Stuart Broad: The English Paceman’s Parting Gift
Stuart Broad, the lanky English paceman, was known for his fiery spells and remarkable swing bowling. In the Ashes series against Australia, Broad’s final Test match saw an extraordinary last over. With the match hanging in the balance, he took the last wicket of the second innings on the last ball, securing a victory for England by 49 runs. It was a farewell befitting a cricketer who had served his country with dedication and passion.
Adam Gilchrist: The Gloveman’s Final Dismissal
Adam Gilchrist, the Australian wicket-keeper batsman, was a destructive force with the bat and a safe pair of hands behind the stumps. In his last competitive match for Punjab Kings in the IPL, he showed his skills with the gloves one last time. Gilchrist took the last-ball wicket of Harbhajan Singh, playing a vital role in his team’s triumph. It was a memorable farewell for a cricketer who had redefined the role of wicket-keeper batsmen in modern-day cricket.
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Conclusion:
In the world of cricket, last-ball wickets hold a special place, symbolizing the end of an era and the legacy of cricketing legends. Each of these cricketing greats left an everlasting impression with their final dismissals, reminding us of the joys and emotions this beautiful sport brings to its fans. As we celebrate these legendary players’ careers, we look forward to witnessing more such memorable moments that make cricket the sport we love and cherish.