Pujara slams 2019's first ton, here're other firsts of cricket-world
For cricket fans, 2019 has started with a bang. Today, we witnessed three action-packed international cricket matches. India and Australia are involved in the fourth Test match at the SCG. South Africa and Pakistan are playing their second Test match in Cape Town. New Zealand and Sri Lanka locked horns in an ODI match. Here we look at the firsts of 2019.
Martin Guptill smashes the first ODI ton
New Zealand opening batsman Martin Guptill celebrated his return to cricket in style. The senior player struck a fluent 139-ball 138 against Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the Bay Oval. Guptill amassed 11 fours and five towering sixes to set the tone. The 163-run stand with skipper Kane Williamson (76) was the first hundred-run partnership in ODIs this year.
Malinga is the first ODI wicket-taker in 2019
Lasith Malinga became the first ODI wicket-taker in 2019. Malinga's wicket of Colin Munro (13) was the first wicket that fell in the match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. James Neesham (47*) is the first player, this year, to hit six sixes in an ODI match. He is also the first to pick three or more wickets in a match.
Kiwis seal first ODI win in 2019
Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera is the first batsman to register an away ODI century this year. Perera slammed 102 runs. His effort saw him smash 13 fours and a six. Sri Lanka lost the match by 45 runs. The Kiwis notched the first ODI win.
Pujara notches the first Test century this year
India's Cheteshwar Pujara smashed the first Test century this year. Pujara hit an unbeaten 130 against Aussies on Day one of the fourth Test in Sydney. He hit an impressive 16 boundaries. Pujara's 116-run stand with Mayank Agarwal (77) was the first century stand this year in Tests. Josh Hazlewood picked up the first Test wicket this year. He dismissed KL Rahul (9).
Some other firsts this year in cricket
India's opening batsman Mayank hit the first six in Tests this year. South African fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada bowled the first no-ball in Test cricket in 2019.
