On this day in 1984: Richard Hadlee produces a magical performance

Richard Hadlee is one of the greatest cricketers to have played for New Zealand. The cricketing legend represented the Kiwis in 86 Tests and 115 ODI matches and was a match-winner with both bat and ball. In February 1984, Hadlee produced an unforgettable all-round performance against the England side. 

The New Zealand side batted first and posted a total of 307 on the board. Richard Hadlee went berserk and scored a whirlwind 99 off just 81 deliveries. His innings consisted of 18 glorious hits to the fence.

In reply, the England side was bowled out for just 82. Hadlee shone with the ball as well in the first innings. The right-arm speedster scalped a three-wicket haul and leaked just 16 runs in the 17 overs that he bowled. No England willow wielder could even cross the 20-run mark.

England were asked to follow on, and in the second innings, they succumbed to the guile and control that Hadlee displayed. Hadlee bettered his performance with the ball in the second innings and scalped a five-wicket haul.

Such was the sad state of affairs for the England side that eight out of their 11 batters were dismissed for single-digit scores. The match ended inside three days, as England were bowled out for 93 and the Black Caps decimated the England side by an innings and 132 runs. And for his scintillating performance, Richard Hadlee won the Player of the Match award. 

Almost 4 decades might have passed since Hadlee dished out this special show with both bat and ball, but his scintillating display will not be forgotten by the aficionados of the game of cricket.

Hadlee retired from the game in the year 1990, and even today he is the highest wicket-taker for the New Zealand side in Test match cricket, with 431 scalps. He picked up 158 wickets in the ODI format of the game.