David Richardson, widely recognized for his role as the former ICC CEO, was once a steadfast wicketkeeper-batsman for South Africa during the early days of their re-entry into international cricket. Born on September 16, 1959, Richardson, often known as Dave, followed in the footsteps of his cricketing family.
His contributions to South Africa’s One Day International (ODI) cricket might not have always been in the spotlight, but his performances were vital during some of the team’s challenging encounters. Here, we revisit three of his top ODI performances that showcased his grit and determination.
1. 53 Against Pakistan – Mandela Trophy, 1994
On December 17, 1994, at Kingsmead in Durban, Richardson delivered a crucial innings of 53 runs against a strong Pakistani side during the 1994-1995 Mandela Trophy. In a low-scoring affair, South Africa managed to post 206/8 in their 50 overs, with Richardson’s contribution being a vital pillar in their innings.
Batting lower down the order, he held the innings together, ensuring the Proteas had a defendable score on board. Unfortunately, Pakistan chased down the target with ease, winning by 8 wickets in just 35 overs. Nonetheless, Richardson’s knock was one of the key highlights of South Africa’s effort in an otherwise forgettable match.
2. 43 Against India – Titan Cup Final, 1996
In the Titan Cup final on November 6, 1996, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, Richardson once again demonstrated his reliability with the bat. India set a challenging target of 221 runs, and South Africa’s chase started off shakily.
Batting at number seven, Richardson fought hard with a composed 43, trying to bring his team back into the game. However, his effort wasn’t enough as South Africa fell short, being bowled out for 185, losing the match by 35 runs. His innings stood out amidst a crumbling batting order, proving his ability to stand tall in high-pressure situations.
3. 38 Against Australia – Benson & Hedges World Series, 1994*
Perhaps one of Richardson’s most resilient performances came on January 25, 1994, in the third final of the Benson & Hedges World Series against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Chasing a modest target of 224, South Africa found themselves in deep trouble, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Richardson, batting down the order, played an unbeaten knock of 38*, trying to steer his team through the chase. While the Proteas eventually fell short by 35 runs, his unbeaten innings was a testament to his fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude.