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The day Lance Klusener unleashed chaos — An 8/64 that silenced Eden Gardens in 1996

Poulomi Chakraborty

Lance Klusener silences Kolkata crowd with a remarkable 8/64 spell (Source: AFP Photos)Lance Klusener silences Kolkata crowd with a remarkable 8/64 spell (Source: AFP Photos)

Every corner across the globe experienced the classic red ball thrills over the years, but some of the Test venues have become iconic, just like Eden Gardens. Over the years, some of the iconic Test matches took place at the “Mecca of Indian Cricket’ and fans witnessed some classic encounters.

Some unmissable encounters became iconic with some unforgettable knocks or spells. Lance Klusener’s magical 8-wicket haul is one such legendary spell that cricket fans will never forget.

In 1996, India’s clash with South Africa in Kolkata left fans on edge, but Lance Klusener’s fiery spell shocked everyone. Let’s revisit the day.

Klusener’s dry spell amid South Africa’s batting fireworks

Whenever India and South Africa clash on the cricket field, fans are in for non-stop thrills. In Test matches, the tension skyrockets with nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat moments. Among all the classic red-ball encounters between the two sides, the first Test match between India and South Africa has been a classic one.

While batting first, South Africa had a dreamy start as Andrew Hudson and Gary Kirsten stitched a massive 236-run partnership, and the Indian bowlers had a nightmare on the field. Their twin hundreds and the other batters’ indomitable spirit gave a huge boost to South Africa’s innings as they put on a massive total of 428 runs.

Coming to bat in the first innings, India stumbled early but steadied the ship, depending on Mohammad Azharuddin’s gritty hundred and Kumble’s remarkable 88-run knock. While South Africa’s bowlers struck regularly, Lance Klusener went on a rampage, conceding 75 runs without a wicket. Just when the world doubted him, Klusener showed it’s calm before the storm.

Klusener erupts with a fiery spell out of nowhere

After a dry spell in the first innings, the world doubted his ability, and Lance Klusener replied with his brilliance with the bat. After South Africa declared their second innings in just 367 runs, India needed to chase down 467 runs to earn a victory on home soil. As India eyed domination, the Protea bowler turned the tables.

After Nayan Mongia came to open the innings with Rahul Dravid, Lance Klusener dismissed Mongia in 8 runs. He didn’t stop there, cleaning up Sourav Ganguly for a duck. With India reeling at 27 for three, Klusener unleashed another massive blow, trapping VVS Laxman for just 1 run.

After picking up Sunil Joshi, he turned the tide after dismissing Mohammad Azharuddin in 52 runs. With that, the Protea bowler marked a brilliant fifer in his Test career. As the home side was already facing the heat, Klusener was not done with the destruction.

The Eden Gardens were already silent after the storm. Aiming for a bounce-back, Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble stitched a partnership, but the Protea bowler struck hard as he removed both the batters successively. With a final masterstroke, Narendra Hirwani fell for a duck, leaving India all out for 137 as South Africa dominated with 329 on the board. The bowler ended with an outstanding spell of 8/64.

Memorable spells speak about heroics, but they turn legendary on away soil. Silencing a roaring Eden Gardens is no small feat, yet Klusener’s carnage did just that. His remarkable spell become more special as it was the best spell on debut by a Protea bowler.  His unforgettable performance is now etched in golden letters in India-South Africa Test history.