Australia vs South Africa Semi-Final 1999, First tie match in World Cup history

New Delhi: Fours-sixes are as important in the cricket field. Even more important is that one run, which changes the fortunes of the team. An attempt to take one such run overturned the fortunes of Australia and South Africa in the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup played in England 21 years ago. This fate was reversed by the haste of South African all-rounder Lance Klusener to take his team to the finals, taking a dangerous run in the match.

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In this dangerous run attempt, Allan Donald, who was on the wicket with Clujner, was run out and this was the first tie match in the history of Cricket World Cup and with this, South Africa was dropped in the first World Cup. A chance to reach the final. Let us tell you the whole story.

Pollock included Australia cheaply

Australian cricket team captain Steve Waugh lost the toss to South African captain Hansie Cronje in this crucial match. Cronje decided to field first in the damp weather of England, which supported swing bowling at the Birmingham ground, and after that, the story was written by medium-fast swing balls of Shaun Pollock.

Sean Pollock took 5 wickets for 36 runs and reduced the Australian cricket team to just 213 runs in 49.2 overs. Pollack was supported by Alan Donald, who took 4 wickets for 32 runs. Steve Waugh scored 56 runs for Australia and Michael Bevan made a strong 65 in 101 balls with one end to reach this score. Due to the in-form African batsmen, his team's victory was being considered absolutely certain.

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Donald is run out by Clujner's haste

Australian bowlers also wreaked havoc on the South African cricket team led by Shane Warne. Warne took 4 precious wickets for 29 runs. As a result, the African team came close to defeat despite Jacques Kallis's 53 runs, but here again, Clujnar came into the role of a troubleshooter, who had been the architect of his team's victory in this entire World Cup. Clujner hit his 31 not out off just 16 balls and brought his team to the victory point. But he made a mistake in wanting to win early on the fourth ball of the last over, and Donald got runout and his team's score was 213 runs as the match was tied.

Australia became the winner due to better run rate

The Australian cricket team was declared the winner on the basis of a better run average in this match. The Australian cricket team had scored 213 runs at an average of 4.31, while the South African team's average of 213 runs was 4.28.

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With this victory, the Australian team got entry into the finals, where they beat Pakistan to win the title of world champion for the second time in 12 years. The South African team was so shocked by this defeat that they got the stamp of the team who missed the important matches of big tournaments forever. Clujner then whipped himself several times in his interview for this one runout and said that he would continue to blame himself for this defeat.