Makhaya Ntini's debut in International Cricket

Makhaya Ntini became the first black African Cricketer to play for South Africa

Makhaya Ntini made his debut for South Africa alongside Mark Boucher, and Ntini’s first wicket was also Boucher’s first dismissal behind the stumps. The duo played their first match in 1998 in Australia against New Zealand at Perth. Batting first South African posted 233, thanks to a ton from Jacques Kallis. In reply, the kiwis were bowled out for just 166, with Ntini having a successful debut. He bowled his quota of 10 overs and picked up two wickets and gave away just 31 runs. His first victim was the New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming, and then later he came on to dismiss their keeper Adam Parore. The great start made sure that the 20 year old stayed on in the national side.

A couple of months later, he made his Test debut at home against Sri Lanka. He was very expensive in the first innings but his first Test scalp was the great Aravinda De Silva. In the second innings, Sri Lanka needed 377 for the win, and Ntini didn’t have to bowl many overs as the others did the bulk of the bowling. He picked up the last wicket to fall as his team won the match by 70 runs. He survived a legal controversy soon after but then slowly regained his spot again. Ntini was actually a cowherd during his early days at his village and he was one day discovered by a Border Cricket Board development officer who was impressed with the boy’s talent and enthusiasm for bowling. And thus began his journey in to the world of cricket as he was picked for the under 19 squad two years later.

His 100th Test was celebrated all over the nation, but soon after he faded away and was not picked for the team. Few months later he announced his decision to retire from the sport, and he retired with a bagful of wickets. In 101 Test matches, he picked up 390 wickets which included 18 five wicket hauls, and in 173 ODIs he took 266 wickets. He also played 10 T20 Internationals where he picked 6 wickets at a high economy rate of 9.3.