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2014 in review

Two triples, and a devastating loss

The year started off with a bang when on New Year's Day Corey Anderson broke the 17-year-old record for the fastest one-day century - getting it in 36 balls, one fewer than Shahid Afridi - in a rain-shortened 21-overs-a-side match against West Indies in Queenstown. It was the fastest ever international century across formats.
The year started off with a bang when on New Year's Day Corey Anderson broke the 17-year-old record for the fastest one-day century - getting it in 36 balls, one fewer than Shahid Afridi - in a rain-shortened 21-overs-a-side match against West Indies in Queenstown. It was the fastest ever international century across formats.•AFP
After four days of painfully slow cricket, the Sharjah Test was turned on its head when Pakistan chased down 302 in 57.3 overs. Azhar Ali and Misbah-ul-Haq scored at over five runs an over to make a mockery of Angelo Mathews' extraordinarily defensive fielding tactics. Pakistan's five-wicket win meant the series was drawn 1-1.
After four days of painfully slow cricket, the Sharjah Test was turned on its head when Pakistan chased down 302 in 57.3 overs. Azhar Ali and Misbah-ul-Haq scored at over five runs an over to make a mockery of Angelo Mathews' extraordinarily defensive fielding tactics. Pakistan's five-wicket win meant the series was drawn 1-1.•AFP
Kumar Sangakkara became the third Sri Lankan batsman to score a triple-century when he reached the milestone against Bangladesh in Chittagong. On his way he also became the fastest man to 11,000 Test runs. He scored a hundred in the second innings but Bangladesh drew the Test.
Kumar Sangakkara became the third Sri Lankan batsman to score a triple-century when he reached the milestone against Bangladesh in Chittagong. On his way he also became the fastest man to 11,000 Test runs. He scored a hundred in the second innings but Bangladesh drew the Test.•AFP
Fast bowler Corbin Bosch took 4 for 15 in 7.3 overs to beat Pakistan by six wickets and give South Africa their maiden Under-19 World Cup title, in Dubai.
Fast bowler Corbin Bosch took 4 for 15 in 7.3 overs to beat Pakistan by six wickets and give South Africa their maiden Under-19 World Cup title, in Dubai.•ICC
It was Netherlands' complete subjugation of fellow Associates Ireland that astonished everyone. Needing to chase 190 in 14.2 overs to qualify for the next round, Netherlands did it in 13.5, thanks to Stefan Myburgh's commanding fifty and Tom Cooper's 15-ball 45.
It was Netherlands' complete subjugation of fellow Associates Ireland that astonished everyone. Needing to chase 190 in 14.2 overs to qualify for the next round, Netherlands did it in 13.5, thanks to Stefan Myburgh's commanding fifty and Tom Cooper's 15-ball 45.•ICC
Kings XI Punjab's Wriddhiman Saha scored the first hundred in an IPL final but his controlled assault was overshadowed by Manish Pandey's 50-ball 94, which gave Kolkata Knight Riders their second tournament title, with a three-wicket win in Bangalore.
Kings XI Punjab's Wriddhiman Saha scored the first hundred in an IPL final but his controlled assault was overshadowed by Manish Pandey's 50-ball 94, which gave Kolkata Knight Riders their second tournament title, with a three-wicket win in Bangalore.•PTI
Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel shared 16 wickets in Galle in South Africa's third ever Test win in Sri Lanka. A close draw in Colombo - South Africa were eight down at stumps on the final day - gave the visitors the series.
Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel shared 16 wickets in Galle in South Africa's third ever Test win in Sri Lanka. A close draw in Colombo - South Africa were eight down at stumps on the final day - gave the visitors the series.•Associated Press
Zimbabwe beat Australia in an ODI for the first time in 31 years after Elton Chigumbura scored an unbeaten half-century in a three-wicket win in Harare. Australia's 209 for 9 was their lowest total against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe beat Australia in an ODI for the first time in 31 years after Elton Chigumbura scored an unbeaten half-century in a three-wicket win in Harare. Australia's 209 for 9 was their lowest total against Zimbabwe.•AFP
West Indies pulled out of their tour of India after the fourth ODI because of a payments dispute between the players, the players' association and the West Indies board. The BCCI claimed US$42 million in damages for the cancellations.
West Indies pulled out of their tour of India after the fourth ODI because of a payments dispute between the players, the players' association and the West Indies board. The BCCI claimed US$42 million in damages for the cancellations.•BCCI
The cricket world received a painful shock when Phillip Hughes died after being struck in the neck by a bouncer during a Shield game at the SCG three days before his 26th birthday. The Brisbane Test between Australia and India was postponed and thousands attended his funeral in Macksville, NSW.
The cricket world received a painful shock when Phillip Hughes died after being struck in the neck by a bouncer during a Shield game at the SCG three days before his 26th birthday. The Brisbane Test between Australia and India was postponed and thousands attended his funeral in Macksville, NSW.•Associated Press
New Zealand capped off a very successful year in Tests - five wins from nine matches - with an eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Christchurch. Brendon McCullum made 195 and Trent Boult and Tim Southee shared 13 wickets between them
New Zealand capped off a very successful year in Tests - five wins from nine matches - with an eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Christchurch. Brendon McCullum made 195 and Trent Boult and Tim Southee shared 13 wickets between them•AFP
It felt inevitable in the end when Australia completed the 5-0 Ashes clean sweep in Sydney, but no one would have predicted the scoreline two months earlier. Steven Smith and Chris Rogers scored hundreds at the SCG and Man-of-the-Series Mitchell Johnson took six wickets to finish with 37 at 13.97 for the series
It felt inevitable in the end when Australia completed the 5-0 Ashes clean sweep in Sydney, but no one would have predicted the scoreline two months earlier. Steven Smith and Chris Rogers scored hundreds at the SCG and Man-of-the-Series Mitchell Johnson took six wickets to finish with 37 at 13.97 for the series•AFP
In mid-January, a draft proposal regarding a restructure of the ICC was leaked. India, Australia and England were to become permanent members of a five-member Executive Committee with far-reaching powers, the World Cup was restricted to ten teams from 2019, and the Test Championship shelved in place of the Champions Trophy.
In mid-January, a draft proposal regarding a restructure of the ICC was leaked. India, Australia and England were to become permanent members of a five-member Executive Committee with far-reaching powers, the World Cup was restricted to ten teams from 2019, and the Test Championship shelved in place of the Champions Trophy.•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Brendon McCullum became the first New Zealand batsman to score a triple-hundred in his match-saving effort against India in Wellington. His 352-run stand with BJ Watling was a record for the sixth wicket. McCullum had scored a match-winning double-century in the previous Test in Auckland.
Brendon McCullum became the first New Zealand batsman to score a triple-hundred in his match-saving effort against India in Wellington. His 352-run stand with BJ Watling was a record for the sixth wicket. McCullum had scored a match-winning double-century in the previous Test in Auckland.•Getty Images
Lasith Malinga's five-for and Lahiru Thirimanne's century helped Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup final in Dhaka.
Lasith Malinga's five-for and Lahiru Thirimanne's century helped Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup final in Dhaka.•AFP
A world title for Sri Lanka at last, after being runners-up in 2007, 2011 and 2012. Kumar Sangakkara's fifty gave them a six-wicket win over India in the World T20 final in Dhaka. Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene signed off from the format with this win.
A world title for Sri Lanka at last, after being runners-up in 2007, 2011 and 2012. Kumar Sangakkara's fifty gave them a six-wicket win over India in the World T20 final in Dhaka. Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene signed off from the format with this win.•ICC
Ishant Sharma produced one of the most memorable spells in the history of Indian fast bowling - 7 for 47 at Lord's - to decimate England and give India their first overseas Test win in three years.
Ishant Sharma produced one of the most memorable spells in the history of Indian fast bowling - 7 for 47 at Lord's - to decimate England and give India their first overseas Test win in three years. •Getty Images
Mahela Jayawardene bowed out of Test cricket with a half-century against Pakistan in his final innings in a match Sri Lanka won by 105 runs in Colombo. Rangana Herath took 14 wickets in the Test and 23 for the series. Jayawardene ended his career with 34 hundreds and more than 11,000 Test runs.
Mahela Jayawardene bowed out of Test cricket with a half-century against Pakistan in his final innings in a match Sri Lanka won by 105 runs in Colombo. Rangana Herath took 14 wickets in the Test and 23 for the series. Jayawardene ended his career with 34 hundreds and more than 11,000 Test runs.•AFP
With the ICC making concerted efforts to weed out chuckers from the game, Saeed Ajmal became most high-profile bowler to be banned for throwing. Biomechanical tests proved his average elbow extension for nearly every delivery was more than twice the permissible limit of 15 degrees.
With the ICC making concerted efforts to weed out chuckers from the game, Saeed Ajmal became most high-profile bowler to be banned for throwing. Biomechanical tests proved his average elbow extension for nearly every delivery was more than twice the permissible limit of 15 degrees.•AFP
Rohit Sharma broke the record for the highest one-day score with a scarcely believable 264 (off 173 balls; 33 fours and nine sixes) in a match against Sri Lanka in Kolkata. All three one-day double-centurions (and Rohit is one twice over) are Indians
Rohit Sharma broke the record for the highest one-day score with a scarcely believable 264 (off 173 balls; 33 fours and nine sixes) in a match against Sri Lanka in Kolkata. All three one-day double-centurions (and Rohit is one twice over) are Indians•BCCI
After calling off play on the second day of the Sharjah Test - the day Phillip Hughes died - New Zealand took an emotional innings victory on the final day. Brendon McCullum made a double-hundred, Kane Williamson 192, and legspinner Mark Craig became only the third New Zealand spinner to take a ten-wicket haul. The series was drawn 1-1.
After calling off play on the second day of the Sharjah Test - the day Phillip Hughes died - New Zealand took an emotional innings victory on the final day. Brendon McCullum made a double-hundred, Kane Williamson 192, and legspinner Mark Craig became only the third New Zealand spinner to take a ten-wicket haul. The series was drawn 1-1.•AFP
Kevin Pietersen's career as England's star batsman ended when the ECB decided not to consider him for the tour of the West Indies in February and the subsequent World T20. Pietersen continued to play in domestic T20 leagues, and in October released his version of events in the form of an autobiography
Kevin Pietersen's career as England's star batsman ended when the ECB decided not to consider him for the tour of the West Indies in February and the subsequent World T20. Pietersen continued to play in domestic T20 leagues, and in October released his version of events in the form of an autobiography•Getty Images
Graeme Smith signed off as an international cricketer with a 2-1 home series defeat to Australia in March. South Africa bounced back from a Mitchell Johnson assault in Centurion to win the Port Elizabeth Test but lost again in Cape Town after David Warner scored twin tons and Johnson and Ryan Harris shared 14 wickets.
Graeme Smith signed off as an international cricketer with a 2-1 home series defeat to Australia in March. South Africa bounced back from a Mitchell Johnson assault in Centurion to win the Port Elizabeth Test but lost again in Cape Town after David Warner scored twin tons and Johnson and Ryan Harris shared 14 wickets.•AFP
T20 is the format for giant-slaying, and this time round, Hong Kong beat hosts Bangladesh, Nepal beat Hong Kong and Afghanistan, and Netherlands repeated their 2009 triumph over England in the World T20.
T20 is the format for giant-slaying, and this time round, Hong Kong beat hosts Bangladesh, Nepal beat Hong Kong and Afghanistan, and Netherlands repeated their 2009 triumph over England in the World T20.•ICC
When Shaminda Eranga dismissed James Anderson off the penultimate ball of the final day at Headingley, Sri Lanka won their first Test series in England. Anderson broke into tears at the presentation ceremony after his 81-minute 0 went in vain. But it was Moeen Ali, who batted six hours trying to save the Test, you felt really sorry for.
When Shaminda Eranga dismissed James Anderson off the penultimate ball of the final day at Headingley, Sri Lanka won their first Test series in England. Anderson broke into tears at the presentation ceremony after his 81-minute 0 went in vain. But it was Moeen Ali, who batted six hours trying to save the Test, you felt really sorry for.•Getty Images
Just when it looked like England would lose their second home series of the summer, they fought to win the third Test, in Southampton, on the back of hundreds by Gary Ballance and Ian Bell and a six-for by part-time offspinner Moeen Ali. England went on to win the next two Tests by an innings each .
Just when it looked like England would lose their second home series of the summer, they fought to win the third Test, in Southampton, on the back of hundreds by Gary Ballance and Ian Bell and a six-for by part-time offspinner Moeen Ali. England went on to win the next two Tests by an innings each .•Getty Images
The Indian women's team, playing their first Test in eight years, with an XI containing eight debutants, beat a strong England side by six wickets in Wormsley. Medium-pacer Niranjana Nagarajan took 4 for 19 and top-scored with 27 to give India a slender lead. Captain Mithali Raj batted over three hours to guide India's chase of 181.
The Indian women's team, playing their first Test in eight years, with an XI containing eight debutants, beat a strong England side by six wickets in Wormsley. Medium-pacer Niranjana Nagarajan took 4 for 19 and top-scored with 27 to give India a slender lead. Captain Mithali Raj batted over three hours to guide India's chase of 181.•Getty Images
Chennai Super Kings strolled to their second Champions League T20 title after beating Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets in the final. KKR's Sunil Narine had been barred from bowling for them in the final after being reported for a second time in two matches for a suspect action.
Chennai Super Kings strolled to their second Champions League T20 title after beating Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets in the final. KKR's Sunil Narine had been barred from bowling for them in the final after being reported for a second time in two matches for a suspect action.•BCCI
Who holds the record for the fastest Test hundred (by number of balls?) Viv Richards and… Misbah-ul-Haq, who also broke the record for the fastest fifty (off 21 balls) on his way to the milestone in a huge win over Australia in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan won the series 2-0.
Who holds the record for the fastest Test hundred (by number of balls?) Viv Richards and… Misbah-ul-Haq, who also broke the record for the fastest fifty (off 21 balls) on his way to the milestone in a huge win over Australia in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan won the series 2-0.•Getty Images
In Adelaide, Virat Kohli became only the second batsman after Greg Chappell to score two hundreds in his debut Test as captain, but India lost the Test when they collapsed after Kohli was dismissed with 60 more to get. Offspinner Nathan Lyon took 12 and David Warner also made hundreds in both innings.
In Adelaide, Virat Kohli became only the second batsman after Greg Chappell to score two hundreds in his debut Test as captain, but India lost the Test when they collapsed after Kohli was dismissed with 60 more to get. Offspinner Nathan Lyon took 12 and David Warner also made hundreds in both innings.•Getty Images