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The cricketing world recently witnessed the spectacle of Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka smashing a double century in a One Day International (ODI) against Afghanistan. While the feat garnered praise and admiration, a South African fan took to Twitter to express a longing for a Proteas batter to achieve the elusive double-century milestone. In response, cricketing legend Herschelle Gibbs provided a no-nonsense answer, drawing on his own historic innings to highlight the significance of team success over personal milestones.
The ODI double century drought in South African cricket
The fan’s tweet highlighted the fact that despite some talented Proteas batters like Gary Kirsten, Faf Du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, and AB de Villiers coming close to the milestone mark, South Africa had not witnessed a batter breach the 200-run mark in ODI cricket.
“Still waiting for the first double century by a Proteas player in ODI cricket The likes of Kirsten, Faf, QDK and AB all came close, who will be the first?” quipped the fan.
Also READ: 7 fastest double centurions in men’s ODI history; Pathum Nissanka joins the elite list
Herschelle Gibbs’ blunt response
Gibbs, a stalwart of South African cricket, promptly responded to the fan’s inquiry with a blunt and honest remark. He stated that if personal milestones were a concern for him, he would have achieved a double century back in 2006. Notably, Gibbs subtly referred to his memorable innings in a historic run chase against Australia, where his remarkable 175-run knock played a pivotal role in South Africa’s record-breaking victory.
“Would have pissed it in 2006 if I was concerned about stats,” responded Gibbs.
Would have pissed it in 2006 if I was concerned about stats ..
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) February 9, 2024
Team success over personal milestones
Gibbs’ response highlighted the ethos of team cricket, emphasizing that individual achievements are secondary to the collective success of the team. His historic innings against Australia remain etched in cricketing history as a testament to the importance of prioritizing the team’s goals over personal records where the Proteas successfully chased down a colossal target of 434, securing the highest-ever run chase in ODI history.
