5 unforgettable moments from 1999 World Cup semi-final between Australia and South Africa
16 years is quite a long time to remember anything, but the visuals of the second semi-final of the 1999 World Cup are engraved subconsciously in the minds of countless cricket fans and viewers around the world. A match that is etched into the history books as arguably one of the greatest games in ODI cricket will have its legacy live on perpetually. Since then, four World Cups have come and gone. Many great careers have come and gone. A whole new format has come into existence and revolutionised the game. Yet, every youngster who is growing up watching modern-day cricket will tell you exactly about what transpired on June 17, 1999, at Edgbaston, Birmingham.Here's a look at 5 unforgettable moments from the Australia-South Africa clash:
#5 Michael Bevan\'s gritty knock
Australia were tottering at 68/4 at the end of the 17th over when Michael Bevan walked to join Steve Waugh. With Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock at their devastating best on a Birmingham pitch that offered pace, swing and movement, Bevan laboured through the middle overs as he rotated the strike in between the odd boundary.
The run rate was moving at snail’s pace and Bevan found it excruciatingly difficult to pace his innings. However, he did not throw his wicket away in frustration, knowing that things would get easier as the innings went on.
He was on 31 from 69 balls when Waugh and Tom Moody departed in the 40th over. The onus was then on him to come to the fore and give his team something to defend. Having had numerous experiences of batting in such situations, he brought calmness to the Australian innings during the death overs as he put on vital partnerships with the bowlers. He took smart singles and quick twos without letting the South African bowlers get on top.
Bevan eventually ended with 65 off 101 balls with a final flourish in the 50th over helping Australia cross the 200-run mark. While he was liable for flak considering the difference in the number of runs scored and the number of balls faced, his knock was widely lauded as it was perfectly apt for the situation and the conditions.