Cricket Classics - Part Viii : 1999 World Cup Semi-Final: Australia vs South Africa
Hello, fellow Sports Enthusiasts,
Cricket is not just a sport between two teams; it's a battle of skills, strategy, and capitalizing on clutch moments. Although the game has transformed over the decades, it has never failed to impress or leave us with unforgettable moments.
So, through this series, I will present some of the most iconic cricket matches that have made fans jump out of their seats. Let's remember those legendary games once a week.
This match was one of the finest and unique knockouts in World Cups between Australia and South Africa. We saw a thrilling encounter between two top teams at that time.
It was the seventh edition of the Cricket World Cup hosted mainly by the English along with Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the Netherlands. There were 12 teams Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Bangladesh, and Scotland.
The teams were divided into two groups, in the Group Stage, and the top 03 teams were advanced to the Super 06. The Super 06 was very interesting. Teams that advanced to the Super Six stage carried over points from the Group Stage, but only from matches played against other teams that also advanced to the Super Six from their respective groups.
So, in the semi-final, Pakistan defeated the Kiwis comfortably, and the Second semi-final was the tournament's highlight. Australia, led by Steve Waugh, even had a load of talents, they started the tournament pretty average. On the other hand, Hansie Cronje's Proteas were the favorites with Jacques Kallis, Lance Klusener, Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, etc.
South Africa won the toss and chose to ball first. It was never easy for the Australians to face fierce pacers from South Africa. Mark Waugh was gone in the first over and, they were able to score a comfortable target. With fifties from Michael Bevan and Steve Waugh, the score was 213/10 in 49.2 overs. Shaun Pollock (5/36) and Allan Donald (4/32) were impeachable with the ball.
Kirsten and Gibbs started the chase well for South Africa in the low-scoring match with a 48-run partnership. But Warne got the breakthrough and 4 wickets fell quickly in the next few overs for just 13 runs. But Jonty Rhodes(43 runs) and Jacques Kallis(53) rebuilt the innings with an 84-run partnership for the fifth wicket. But once again Warne broke it with another 69 runs needing.
Anyway, the game was on as Pollock, and Particularly Lance Klusner were hitting big and Aussie kept getting the wickets regularly. It all came to the final over. SA needed 9 runs with just one wicket in hand. Klusner was facing Damien Fleming.
The Dramatic Final Over
- First ball: Klusener smashed a four.
- Second ball: Another four from him
The score was tied, and 4 balls were remaining.
- Third ball: A dot ball
- Fourth ball: A mix-up and Alan Donald was run out
The match was tied, and ironically Australia won the match as they had a higher net run rate in the Super Six stage. A law at that tournament made SA suffer. Anyway with that win Australia ended up winning their second World Cup, after beating Pakistan in the Final. SA officially started their choking state in Worlcup knockouts.
This match can be considered one of the greatest classics, with high intensity.
See you at the next episode!! You can always suggest a match to discuss in the next episode.
src - 1999 Cricket World Cup 2nd semi-final
Thank you.
Best Regards!
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Greeting Sir @damithudaya,
The most iconic cricket matches in World Cup history in 1999 you have beautifully and perfectly elaborated to us. The semi-final match between Australia vs. South Africa is a classic that the fans will never forget. At the time I was a kid and did not understand cricket that much but today by reading your post I can particularly understand the format of the match and the strengths of both teams at that time. Recounting of the match from the Australian innings to the final over is really well-detailed written. In every deep cricketer fan’s memories are still shining the drama of Klusener smashing the boundaries and also the heartbreaking run out of Allah. The contribution of Shane Warne, Shaun Pollock, and Lance Klusener in that match is very remarkable. Sir, you have again brought the thrill of the match through your writing and refreshed the memories of the match for all the cricket lovers.