South Africa Chase 434 vs Australia : When South Africa chased a mammoth 434 against Australia in ODI
Gibbs’ 175 off 111 balls set up the chase as Proteas won with a ball to spare.
Dubai: Some matches and some extraordinary innings stay in the hearts of cricket fans forever. Think of Sachin Tendulkar’s Desert Storm innings in Sharjah against Australia, Javed Miandad’s last-ball six, or England’s win over New Zealand in the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
On March 12, 2006 — exactly 20 years ago — cricket saw a spectacle that left fans stunned. The fifth One-Day International between South Africa and Australia at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg produced one of the most remarkable matches ever played.
Batting first, Australia made 434 for 4 — the highest total in ODI history at that time. Within a few hours, that record was eclipsed as South Africa completed the chase, reaching 438 for 9 with one ball to spare.
The match broke multiple records, including the highest aggregate score in an ODI. Even two decades later, it remains one of the most iconic contests.
Australia got a blazing start through Adam Gilchrist (55) and Simon Katich (79), adding 97 runs for the first wicket. The real onslaught came from captain Ricky Ponting, who made 164 off 105 balls with 13 fours and nine sixes.
Michael Hussey added momentum with 81 from 51 balls, helping Australia cross the 400-run mark.
Australia looked in control when South Africa lost their first wicket in the second over, with Boeta Dippenaar out for one run.
What followed became cricketing legend.
Ferocious assault
Herschelle Gibbs attacked the Australian bowling, scoring 175 from 111 balls with 21 fours and seven sixes. Captain Graeme Smith supported with 90 and a 187-run partnership with Gibbs that set the base for the chase.
With tension at its peak, Mark Boucher made the winning runs — an unbeaten 50 sealing victory with one ball remaining. A crucial moment came when Makhaya Ntini took a single against Brett Lee with nine wickets down, giving Boucher the strike again.
The match became a statistical marvel. Australia’s 434 for 4 set a new ODI record earlier, while South Africa’s 438 became the highest successful chase. The combined 872 runs remain the highest in a One-Day International.
’15 runs short’
In a 2006 interview, Smith recalled a dressing room moment when Jacques Kallis joked that Australia had not scored enough.
“While I was padding up, Jacques Kallis came into the room and said, ‘Bowlers, we’ve done a great job — Australia are 15 runs short.’ When the opposition had scored 434, everyone burst out laughing. We set some targets and everyone started laughing again,” Smith said.
Despite the chase, Smith said his focus was to give the team a strong start.
“I just thought, I’m going out first. How do I get the team a good start and build momentum? What a rollercoaster it turned out to be. Herschelle Gibbs was incredible and Ricky Ponting’s knock was outstanding. In terms of the ebbs and flows, the final-ball finish and the emotions at the Wanderers, I still believe it’s the greatest ODI ever played,” he said.
The match also decided the five-match series, with South Africa winning it 3—2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did South Africa chase 434 runs against Australia?
South Africa chased 434 runs against Australia on March 12, 2006, at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Who was the highest scorer in the South Africa vs Australia 434 match?
Herschelle Gibbs was the highest scorer for South Africa with 175 runs off 111 balls, while Ricky Ponting scored 164 runs for Australia.
What was the final score of the historic ODI match?
Australia scored 434 for 4, while South Africa successfully chased the target by scoring 438 for 9.
Who hit the winning runs for South Africa?
Mark Boucher scored the winning runs and remained unbeaten on 50 to seal the victory.
What record was made in this match?
The match recorded the highest match aggregate of 872 runs in ODI cricket and one of the highest successful run chases in ODI history.