13 Facts about Makhaya Ntini: The South African bowling hero

Makhaya Ntini during his prime was the core of the South African pace attack. He was not express quick. But, he was naturally aggressive and always fit for all seasons. Varying lengths and resorting to short pitched stuff was his way of dealing with the batsmen. His pre-delivery sideways leap was an unique part of his bowling style. His contribution to the South African cricket is great. It was kind of path breaking for many South Africans. He opened the door and inspired many young, black South African cricketers play the sport and represent their country.

1.Born on:

Makhaya Ntini was born on July 6, 1977 in the small village of Mdingi, near King William’s Town, of the Cape Province.

2.A cattle herder turns cricketer:

15-year-oldld Makhaya Ntini was discovered as a barefoot cattle-herder by a Border Cricket Board development officer Raymond Booi who was setting up a mini-cricket programme in the region. The officer noticed tNtini’s enthusiasm and talent for bowling and lent him a pair of plimsolls and arranged for him to participate in a net session in King William’s Town.

Booi then forwarded his case to the head of the development programme, Greg Hayes, and both placed Ntini in a junior cricket festival in Queenstown. For the festival, Hayes purchased Ntini his first pair of boots – but later had to give the young bowler instructions not to wear them indoors, or when herding cattle.

3. Breaks into the U 19 team:

It took him no time to make a mark. Two years later, he was selected to tour England with the South Africa Under-19 squad.

4. Rugby background:

Makhaya Ntini Dale College, Ntini also played rugby and was close friends with a number of players who would go on to play for South Africa. Ntini also briefly managed a rugby club, Kaizer Chiefs Sevens rugby team, after retiring from cricket.

5. International debut:

Makhaya Ntini made his debut against New Zealand in 1997/98, he was the first black South African cricketer to play for South Africa.

6. Name on the Lord’s Honour’s Board:

Ntini etched his name in history in 2003 when he became the first South African to take 10 wickets in a match at Lord’s. Ntini’s match haul of 10 for 220 resulted in an innings victory for South Africa. He shared the Man of the Match award with Graeme Smith, who scored 259.

7. The best bowling figures by a South Africa:

Ntini added yet another laurel to his name after he achieved the best bowling figures in a match by a South African in Tests. He took a record match haul of 13 for 132 against West Indies at Port of Spain in 2005 to surpass the great off-spinner Hugh Tayfield’s 13 for 165.

8. India Premier league:

Makhaya Ntini played for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier league. He was picked at the auction of the inaugural edition for USD 2,00,000.

9. The wonderful hattrick:

Playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2008, Ntini became the third man to take a hat-trick in the event.

10. Retirement:

Ntini announced his retirement on in 2011, ending his career 11 years long career with 390 Test victims in 101 matches and 266 wickets in 173 ODIs.

11. Aims to give to the game:

Ntini has said time and again that he is indebted to the game and how much it gave him. Ntini set up the Makhaya Ntini Academy, whose aim was to produce more Black cricketers.

12. Plays cricket atop Mt. Kilimanjaro:

On September 26, 2014, Ntini was a part of the “highest game of cricket ever played.” The two teams included the likes of England Women vice-captain Heather Knight, former England spinner Ashley Giles, former England women’s captain Clare Connor, and Ntini. Ntini said of the experience, “This was one of the biggest challenges of my career. I’ve played cricket all over the world, but never in such a strange place!”

13. Career threatening controversy:

His career looked like coming to an early end in 1999 when Ntini was charged and then convicted of rape—though he was finally acquitted. The case caused widespread controversy in South Africa with his conviction generating negative publicity in view of his status as the first black South African Test cricketer. Ntini maintained his innocence, was acquitted on appeal and successfully rebuilt his international cricket career. Ntini thanked Cricket South Africa for sticking by him.