CWC History: Four matches that resulted in a tie
"Cricket is a game of uncertainties" and it is rightly said looking at the results of most of the matches played. The result of some games is not decided until the last ball of the match is bowled. Sometimes an over, a wicket or a batsman changes the fortune of its team to win matches from losing positions. This is what makes the game of cricket an enjoyable spectacle to watch.
The ICC Cricket World Cup has been no exception. It has produced some nail-biting thriller contest in the past. Also, there have been instances where the match played has resulted in a tie where both the team's scores have been leveled. This accounts for more drama and tension both on and off the field as the winner is then decided by the match officials on the basis of the criteria set for that particular tournament.
We take a look at the matches tied in the World Cup so far.
#1 Australia vs South Africa (Semi-Final, 1999)
Regarded as one of the best World Cup matches, the semi-final of ICC Cricket World Cup 1999 is the biggest nightmares for South Africa and especially for Alan Donald.
Australia was put into bat first and was struggling to get going after losing their top-order cheaply. Courtesy of Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan's half-centuries, the Aussies managed to put up a total of 213. Pollock was in top form picking up a five-wicket haul whereas Donald grabbed 4 wickets to his name.
Chasing a modest total of 214, the Proteas started their innings cautiously but lost the momentum in the middle. However, Jacques Kallis and Jonty Rhodes stitched a partnership and carried the innings along. But soon the partnership was broken and no other batsman except for Lance Klusener was able to get going.
Klusener batted with great positive intent but got no support from the other end. He took the Australian bowlers on charge and brought South Africa close to their maiden World Cup final.
With 9 runs required from the final over the score read 205/9 with Klusener on strike, everyone was on the edge of their seat to witness a thriller in the knockouts. Damien Fleming was given the responsibility of bowling the last over but was soon taken on remand by Klusener who smashed two consecutive fours on the first two deliveries.
Now, 1 run was required from 4 balls and with one wicket in hand. Fleming bowled a dot ball and it made the batsman more tensed as all the eleven fielders were now inside the circle saving a single. Klusener tapped the next ball and called out Donald to run, who initially didn't move, dropped his bat in process and eventually got run-out trying to complete the run.
The game got tied but Australia advanced into the finals as they finished higher in the Super 6. Australia went onto win the World Cup and later on completed a hattrick by winning World Cups in the following years 2003 and 2007.
This was the first tied game at the World Cup and is still remembered by everyone as one of the most thrilling encounters of all time.