The 1999 Cricket World Cup: Ties, Controversies and Aussie Dominance
The 1999 Cricket World Cup in England featured one of cricket's most dramatic days — South Africa's exit via a historic tie — before Australia claimed another title.
The 1999 Cricket World Cup was hosted across England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Netherlands. It introduced the Super Six stage and produced one of the game's most talked-about finishes.
The Notorious Semi-Final
South Africa needed 9 runs off the last 4 balls against Australia. Lance Klusener hit two consecutive boundaries to leave the equation at 1 off 2 balls with one wicket remaining.
Allan Donald was run out in confusion. The match ended in a tie — but because Australia had topped their Super Six group above South Africa, they progressed to the final. South Africa were eliminated.
Donald's bat drop and the miscommunication between him and Klusener remain among the most replayed and analysed sequences in World Cup history.
Australia's Supremacy
Australia won the final at Lord's against Pakistan by eight wickets. Shane Warne took four wickets, dismissing Pakistan for 132. Steve Waugh's side were dominant throughout.
It was Australia's second consecutive World Cup title and began a period of utter dominance. They would win again in 2003 and 2007, going unbeaten in World Cup cricket for a decade.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the tied semi-final so significant for qualification?
In 1999, Super Six group positions determined who advanced from a tied knockout match. Australia had outperformed South Africa in the Super Six stage, so they advanced despite the tied score.
Who was the top scorer in the 1999 World Cup?
Rahul Dravid of India was the tournament's leading run scorer with 461 runs, though India failed to advance beyond the Super Six stage.