Three memorable events that happened on March 16 over the years

Cricket, just like life gives us a plethora of memories to look back on. While memories, even it is for an iota of a second help us feels better, it also teaches us to stay humble and not take anything for granted in life.

Each day has its own nuances and subplots that leave lasting footprints in our life, and March 16 bores no different to the aforementioned fact.

On that note, let us dive into the realms of the past and once again celebrate the events that will forever be imprinted in our minds.

Here's the compilation of three memorable events that ensued on March 16 :

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#1 Herschelle Gibbs becomes the first batsman to smash six 6s in International cricket

Gibbs clobbered Bunge all around the park

When: 16th March 2007

Occasion: South Africa vs Netherlands, Group stage match (St Kitts), ICC World Cup 2007

Herschelle Gibbs bullied his way into the record books as he smashed Netherland's part-time leg-spinner Dan van Bunge for six 6's in one over.

He thus became the first batsman to accomplish the coveted feat in international cricket. That he accomplished the feat at a global stage (ICC World Cup 2007) made it even more special.

Though the feat was achieved on one of the smallest International grounds, Warner Park, Gibbs hitting was astounding by devastating proportions as he clobbered Bunge to all corners of the ground.

Gibbs's assault coupled with a pristine hundred by Kallis powered the Proteas to 3-353 in 40 overs (overs reduced due to rain) who then proceeded to restrict the Dutch to 9-132 and hence notched up a comfortable 221 run victory.

#2 Fastest double hundred in Test cricket courtesy Nathan Astle

Astle celebrating his breathtaking feat

When: 16 March 2002

Occasion: New Zealand vs England, 1st Test, Christchurch 2002

We witnessed not only a record-breaking but more importantly a trendsetting performance on this date and this time in Test cricket.

When an injured Chris Cairns joined Nathan Astle with the scoreboard reading 9-333 requiring a further 217 runs to win the Christchurch Test of 2002 against England.

Astle then proceeded to take matters into his hands as he launched a scathing attack on the English bowlers.

The right-hand batsman was particularly severe on Andy Caddick launching him over mid-on and over cover for six by regularly stepping out of the crease.

He made a complete mockery of the English attack in a breathtaking display of clean hitting.

Astle en route to a breathtaking display of power hitting required just 153 balls to complete the fastest double hundred, a record that stands till date.

New Zealand may have eventually lost the match by 98 runs but Astle's knock proceeded to leave its everlasting footprints in the minds of the cricketing folklore forever.

#3 Sachin Tendulkar breaches the 100th hundred barrier

At the zenith of batsmanship

When: 16 March 2012

Occasion: India vs Bangladesh, Group Match, Asia Cup 2012

And probably the biggest moment of March 16 arrived in the year 2012 when the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman on the planet to score hundred international 100s.

It was more of a relief for Tendulkar who had to endure humongous pressure from the fans and media alike.

Ever since Tendulkar struck his 99th hundred against the Proteas in the 2011 World Cup, speculations and expectations were rife as to when he would achieve the elusive 100th ton.

Such were the expectations levied on the little champion that even a run less than hundred was deemed as a failure.

Tendulkar finally achieved the elusive 100th ton one year later in an Asia Cup game against host Bangladesh in Dhaka.

The moment arrived in the 44th over on the ball of Shakib Al Hasan when Tendulkar worked the ball to square-leg.

Though India eventually lost the match thanks to the heroics of Shakib and Rahim, Tendulkar's feat was a moment to savour for life for all those who witnessed it live irrespective nationality.