Reliving Old Memories: The Semi-Final at Edgbaston

Sport`s most heartbreaking moments: South Africa`s exit from the 1999 Cricket World Cup

Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world, and a vast majority of the cricket fanbase hails from the Indian subcontinent. But once upon a time, cricket enjoyed its popularity in other parts of the world too. This was an era when India wasn`t among the strongest playing sides. One could expect the stadiums to be filled with spectators in even the lowest-scoring test matches, that progressed at a turtle`s pace. And this passion for cricket was sure to be retained, perhaps intensified, in the upcoming Cricket World Cup of 1999. 

South Africa was undoubtedly the favorite, for the team was a complete package that fulfilled every criterion. The bowling lineup consisted of Alan Donald and Shaun Pollock, two very talented individuals that would open the pace attack and eventually cement their legacy in world cricket. The batsmen ranged in variety, they had a defensive technician in Gary Kirsten to open the innings, as well as an aggressive pinch hitter in Lance Klusener to give the innings a clean finish. Even the fielding was top-notch, given the undeniable efforts of Jonty Rhodes and Herschelle Gibbs. So what could possibly go wrong when you have such a perfect team, whose trophy cabinet was a deserving home for the cup?

After a brilliant performance in the group stages, they were set to meet Australia in the semi-finals. Australia, although another brute force in the tournament, was still not the invincible side that we got to see in the following years. A defeat to Australia previously in the tournament, had granted the Proteas an opportunity to avenge their loss. South Africa bowled first, restricting the kangaroos to a total of just 213, despite half-centuries from Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan. In the process, the pair of Shaun Pollock and Alan Donald managed to take 9 wickets alone. Now it was time for their batting unit to seal the match in their favor. Gary Kirsten and Herschelle Gibbs provided a decent start, putting up a partnership of 48 runs for the first wicket. However, both openers succumbed to Shane Warne`s spin. Wickets fell at regular intervals from that point onwards, with an exception of the 84 run partnership between Jonty Rhodes and Jacques Kallis.

There still was one man who ensured South Africa`s presence in the game and pushed through every obstacle to carry the hopes of his team. His name was Lance Klusener, whose memorable performances had brought the team this far in the pursuit of the cup. Could he have done it again for his team? The match managed to reach the last over, despite the low total, as the pitches in those days were designed to challenge the batsmen. Lance Klusener was on strike, and South Africa required 9 runs to win with only 1 wicket in hand. One could sense the drama in the air, it was the calm before the storm as the last over was being approached. To everyone`s amazement, Zulu smashed two boundaries in the first three balls off Damien Fleming. All hope seemed to be lost for Australia, as only 1 run was required in 3 balls. Perhaps what was to come next, proved why the outcome isn`t decided in cricket, until the last ball is played.  

Klusener managed to connect his bat with the ball and began running for his life without a second thought. The ball went past Fleming, but Mark Waugh obstructed it with his brilliant fielding and then went on to throw it to Damien Fleming, who was at the non-striker`s end. Klusener had already made it past the crease, perhaps it was too late. Or was it? Alan Donald on the other end was completely clueless and too slow in his response. Before he could make it for a run, Damian Fleming tossed the ball to Gilchrist. And Gilly`s safe pair of hands made no mistake, as the bails were sent flying and so were South Africa`s hopes of making it to the finals, let alone bringing the trophy home. Although the match was a tie, Australia had automatically advanced to the finals given their performance in the Super Six stage. It was a disastrous moment that left many hearts shattered. As the Australians hugged it out to celebrate their dramatic victory, Klusener and Donald could only watch in dismay. It didn`t take too long for the stadium to be invaded by spectators furious over the outcome, and both teams had to be escorted back to the dressing room safely. The world of sports witnessed a lot of tears that day, some in the stands while others behind television sets.

When Alan Donald was asked about the demons of that World Cup years later, he replied by saying that they were “very much there.” He took 4 wickets in the match, but his contribution in the match was sidelined by what fans considered was his blunder towards the end. One could argue that it was Klusener`s fault, for being too desperate and running without seeking his partner`s approval. Many feel that it was an impossible run, and given the fact that Donald rarely ever had to hold a bat, his being unable to handle the pressure could be justified. He, however, did go on to win the player of the tournament for his brilliant match-saving knocks that were consistent throughout. But whatever the argument, the fact doesn`t change that it was a miscommunication that cost South Africa their chance in that year`s World Cup.  

And it was a chance that never returned, for it was from that point onwards that the Proteas earned the tag of ‘chokers’ in tournaments, messing up their chances of winning trophies in rather innovative ways. Luck was never on their side following that historic defeat at Edgbaston. And Australia? Their confidence reached new heights, as Steve Waugh`s men thrashed Pakistan in the finals and bagged the World Cup. And this marked Australia`s domination in world cricket, which lasted for almost a decade. One match swapped the fate of two nations, and it was the second Semi-Final of the 1999 world cup. A match that would have loved to been forgotten, but needs to be remembered for its significance.