DUBAI: In cricket, until 1986, the Man of the Match award was traditionally reserved for players who scored crucial runs or bowlers who claimed significant wickets. However, everything changed in an extraordinary turn of events during a Champions Trophy match in 1986 between West Indies and Pakistan at Sharjah Stadium.
Gus Logie of West Indies made history by becoming the first player to win the Man of the Match award without contributing with the bat or ball. His exceptional fielding display, consisting of three remarkable catches and two run-outs, earned him this unique recognition.
Logie’s stellar performance involved catching Pakistan’s openers and Ijaz Ahmed, and then running out Asif Mujtaba and executing a direct hit from square leg to dismiss Javed Miandad. These crucial fielding contributions helped West Indies bowl out Pakistan for 143, leading to a nine-wicket victory.
This marked a historic moment in international cricket as it was the first time a player received the Man of the Match award purely for fielding brilliance.
This feat was later repeated by South Africa’s Jonty Rhodes, who also won the Man of the Match award for his outstanding fielding during the 1992 World Cup. Rhodes’ rise to fame began after a game against Pakistan on March 8, 1992, at the Brisbane Cricket Ground.
