OneCricket 
Sunil Joshi registers outstanding fifer against South Africa (Source: @ICC/x.com)
When it comes to limited-over cricket, as heart takes an extra beat with the unreal excitement. Just when fans expect routine fireworks, unseen heroes rise and shock the world with jaw-dropping brilliance.
Beyond the formats, whenever India and South Africa meet on the big stage, thrills, excitement, and drama follow all the way. Players from both sides delivered some of the iconic performances, but very few came out like Sunil Joshi’s magical fifer.
In 1999, when both sides clashed on the big stage of the, the fans witnessed the ‘Joshi magic,’ and the record book recorded one of the stunning spells. Let’s rewind to the magical day that still gives cricket fans goosebumps.
When South Africa’s intent meets India’s brilliance, a game of cricket turns into a spectacle. With cricketing brilliance, thrills, and a never-failing-defeat mind, fans witness fireworks on the field. Over the years, both sides delivered some unreal moments of the game where played turned a simple game into an unforgettable one.
Among all those unforgettable encounters, Sunil Joshi’s heroic still stands out. In 1999, when the Men in Blue faced Protea firepower, Joshi’s spin web shattered South Africa’s batting order. Years may have passed his performance is still a classic in India-South Africa’s ODI history.
After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first without imagining the ‘Joshi Magic’ coming in. With Herschelle Gibbs and Boeta Dippenaar coming to open the innings, Joshi marked his first blood, dismissing Gibbs in 18 runs. That crucial wicket hit the Proteas hard until the Indian spinner came back again.
Back in the heat of the battle, Joshi first cut down Dippenaar on 17 and then shocked everyone by removing captain Hansie Cronje for just 2. Completing three wickets with a storm, Joshi became a nightmare for the opponents.
As the Proteas were already feeling the heat, Joshi was left with more destruction as he turned the match into his own day. Coming back in the 38th over, Joshi unleashed his fierce mode as he dismissed Jonty Rhodes and Shaun Pollock in the same over.
With that, he dismissed a brilliant fifer while conceding just six runs in 10 overs. His ruthless accuracy squeezed the Proteas so hard that they crumbled to just 117 runs. Team India chased down the total in just 23rd overs and registered a massive 8-wicket victory.
Every sport has moments that feel mythical; Joshi’s masterclass belongs in that list. Years passed, chapters turned in the India-South Africa rivalry, players came and went, but no one came close to Joshi. Joshi’s legendary magic still echoes.
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