Cricket World Cup Classics: Pakistan v Australia | 1999 Group Match, Leeds
Two great bowling attacks went against each other in the Group B clash of the 1999 World Cup. Pakistan started slow and shaky, and were anchored by Inzamam-ul-Haq, who also provided for a typically hilarious run-out.
Inzamam came down alarmingly after being yorked by Damien Fleming. Non-striker Wasim Akram ran, and found himself at the striker's end with Inzaman still on all fours. This was yet another in Inzamam's long line of comical run outs, but it didn't harm Pakistan too much on this day.
From 160 in the 40th over, they switched gears to score over 100 runs in the last 10 overs. Moin Khan (31* off 12) and Mohammad Yousuf (29 off 16) played brilliant cameos to exploit the death overs to the fullest.
Chasing the target of 276, Mark Waugh and Ricky Ponting steadied the Australian innings before they lost 3 wickets in the space of 10 runs, leaving them struggling at 101-4. Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan then hit back with a counter-attacking 113-run partnership.
The match had ebbed and flowed and swung both ways multiple times now. But aith an Australian win within sight, Wasim Akram came back to get rid of Bevan. Meanwhile at the other end, Shoaib Akhtar, after having got into a verbal duel, got rid of Steve Waugh with an inswinging yorker.
Waugh’s wicket turned the match as Akram demolished the Australian tail with his slinging zingers to nab a famous and important win.
On that day, Pakistan played with the ODI template that suited them the best: put up a decent score and then defend it with gusto. They came out on top, owing to their more versatile bowling attack.
This match between the mercurial Pakistan and the professional Australia was of the highest quality and drama.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 275/8 (50 overs) | Inzamam-ul-Haq 81 (104), Damien Fleming 2/37
Australia 265 all out (49.5 overs) | Michael Bevan 61 (80), Wasim Akram 4/40
Pakistan won by 10 runs | Man of the Match: Inzamam-ul-Haq
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