AUS vs SA (1999 World Cup Semi-Final) : The Greatest ODI Ever Played

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The semi-final match between Australia and South Africa is one of the most unforgettable World Cup moments of all time and the most memorable moment of the ICC World Cup 1999. Not only was the match full of drama and excitement, but it also gave South Africa the title of "chokers."

Just four days before, the two teams had battled in a high-scoring cliffhanger. With two balls to spare, Australia had advanced to the semi-final. It was obvious that there wasn't much between these world-class lineups. When they clashed once more at Edgbaston, the excitement was running high. However, no one could have predicted how the match would end.

On a seaming Edgbaston wicket, South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first. 1999 World Cup Aus Vs SA Semi-Final The Greatest ODI Ever PlayedBoth Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald were in devastating form. Three wickets fell for 14 runs, and Australia found themselves at 68 for four in the 17th over. Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan added 90 runs for the fifth wicket. Waugh scored 56 runs off 76 balls, including a six and six fours. Bevan was the last man out for 65 runs in the final over. Shaun Pollock (5/36) and Allan Donald (4/32) shared 9 wickets among them to restrict Australia in 213.

Early in South Africa's innings, things looked promising, with Gary Kirsten and Herschelle Gibbs putting on a steady opening partnership, but wickets began to fall in a cluster, leaving SA in trouble at 61-4. SA was in dire need of a partner at the time, which Jonty Rhodes and Jacques Kallis duly provided. Under pressure, the duo performed admirably, bringing SA within 40 runs of the target. After that, the lower order continued to chase the score, setting up a tense final over in which SA required nine runs to win with only one wicket remaining.

The final over is now regarded as the most heartbreaking moment in South African cricket history. After Lance Klusener smashed Damien Fleming's first two deliveries to the boundary for four runs, South Africa only needed a single run off four balls to win and qualify for their first-ever World Cup final.

Klusener, body on fire and brain on ice, nearly pulled it off for South Africa, with 31 off 16 balls. Image Source

However, tragedy struck. Klusener mis-hit the ball to Waugh at mid-off after a close run-out off the third pitch. However, this time he went for the run, and the crowd watched in horror as Allan Donald stuttered, dropped his bat, and was left stranded halfway down the pitch as the Australians completed the run-out.

Allan Donald, the loneliest man who ever stood on a cricket field. Image Source

The match ended in a tie, the first in the World Cup. Australia advanced to the final on basis of a superior NRR, having beaten South Africa in the previous match.

The reaction says it all. Image Source

It’s been 22 years since the exciting and dramatic 1999 semi-final tie between Australia and South Africa, and the memories of that match are still fresh in the minds of cricket fans.

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Thanks to @worldofcricket for organizing this contest that brings back the past memories of the game of cricket.

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