The 1999 Cricket World Cup: Australia's Dominant Win and the Super Six Format
Australia won the 1999 Cricket World Cup in England with a dominant display, including a famous tie against South Africa in the semi-final and a comprehensive win over Pakistan in the final at Lord's.
The 1999 Cricket World Cup, held in England and Wales with some matches in Scotland and the Netherlands, was won by Australia under Steve Waugh's captaincy. The tournament used the Super Six format — the top three teams from each group of six advanced to a second round-robin, with group-stage points carried forward. Australia won every match in the tournament except a historic tie in the Super Six stage, making the 1999 final a comprehensive eight-wicket demolition of Pakistan at Lord's. Shane Warne took 4/33 in the final to drive Australia to an emphatic victory, with the Australians chasing 133 in 20.1 overs.
The Australia-South Africa Tied Semi-Final
The most celebrated match of the 1999 World Cup was the Super Six stage match between Australia and South Africa — described by many observers as the greatest one-day match ever played. South Africa needed one run from four balls with one wicket remaining, with Allan Donald on strike and Lance Klusener at the other end. Klusener pushed the ball straight, Donald hesitated, ran, turned back, and was run out by a matter of centimetres — the result was a tie that, due to Australia's better Super Six record, sent Australia through to the final. It became one of cricket's most talked-about moments and one of South Africa's most painful near-misses in a tournament renowned for their dramatic exits.
Shane Warne's Dominance
Shane Warne was the outstanding bowling performer of the 1999 World Cup, taking 20 wickets at 18.05. His leg-spin troubled batting lineups consistently — his flipper, googly and leg-break combination was virtually unplayable in the tournament conditions. In the final, he dismissed Saeed Anwar, Wajahatullah Wasti, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Moin Khan as Pakistan were bowled out for 132. Australia's pace attack (Glenn McGrath, Damien Fleming, Paul Reiffel) provided the support, but Warne's wickets at crucial moments defined Australia's campaign.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 1999 Cricket World Cup?
Australia won the 1999 Cricket World Cup, defeating Pakistan by 8 wickets in the final at Lord's. Shane Warne took 4/33 and Pakistan were bowled out for 132. Australia chased the target in 20.1 overs.
What happened in the Australia-South Africa semi-final in 1999?
The match ended in a tie. South Africa needed 1 run off 4 balls with 1 wicket standing — but Allan Donald was run out attempting a run with Klusener at the non-striker's end. Australia progressed to the final on their superior Super Six record. The match is frequently cited as one of the greatest one-day matches in cricket history.
What was the Super Six format in the 1999 World Cup?
The 1999 World Cup divided 12 teams into two groups of six. The top three from each group advanced to a Super Six second round-robin of six teams, carrying forward points from group matches against other qualifiers. The top four from the Super Six advanced to semi-finals. The format was controversial — carrying forward group-stage points gave some teams a head start — and was abandoned in subsequent tournaments.