January 19, 1996 – When England fell short in the pursuit of 130-run chase

A three-month long tour to South Africa in the 1995/96 season didn’t go in England’s way as they lost the 5-match Test series 1-0 and lost the 7-match ODI series as they were 4-1 down coming into the 6th ODI game on 19th January. The Buffalo Park in East London welcomed England with a slow and seaming pitch that was expected to be a nightmare for the batsmen. South Africa elected to bat first to ensure they won’t be chasing a small yet effecting target on a tricky track.

England pacers ran through South African batting line-up to leave them at 54/4. Brian McMillian was the only player from the home side to provide some resistance with the bat. He scored an unbeaten 45 off 92 balls only to see his side bowled out for 129 in 41.4 overs their the then lowest ODI total at home and joint 2nd lowest at home till date. Dominic Cork, Peter Martin and Craig White all took two wickets each while Darren Gough scalped three wickets making most of the helpful conditions.

40 runs and seven wickets:

South Africa continued to make things tough for England as they reduced the visitors to 19/3 in defence of a low total. Graeme Hick and Jack Russell threatened to take the game away from the home side with a steady 56-run stand. South African keeper David Richardson fractured his finger leaving Gary Kirsten to take up the responsibilities. Paul Adams broke the stand when Hick (39) was caught behind with England’s score at 75/4.

Richard Snell and Adams with his left-arm wrist spin fancied their chances after the much-needed wicket. Stand-in keeper Kirsten was involved in a couple of runouts as England collapsed to 115 in 43.4 overs falling short of Saffers’ total by 14 runs. The visitors lost their last seven wickets for only 40 runs to go down 1-5 in the ODI series. Extras turned out to be the 2nd highest contributor for England as 27 runs through them. The total of 129 South Africa defended successfully is the joint 3rd lowest winning total in a full 50-over game till date.