ICC Cricket World Cup 1999: Australia Beat Pakistan in the Final — McGrath & Warne, Lord's, Pakistan Bowled Out for 132
Australia won the ICC Cricket World Cup 1999, beating Pakistan in the final at Lord's on 20 June 1999 by 8 wickets. Pakistan were bowled out for 132 in 39 overs; Australia chased 133 in 20.1 overs with 8 wickets to spare. Australia captain: Steve Waugh. Pakistan captain: Wasim Akram. Glenn McGrath was Man of the Match in the final (2/13 from 9 overs) and Man of the Tournament overall; Shane Warne took the wicket of South Africa's Lance Klusener in the famous semi-final tied match that sent Australia through on run rate. The tournament's defining moments: South Africa vs Australia semi-final tied (South Africa needed 1 from 1 ball, Klusener ran but Donald didn't; match tied, Australia through on run rate); Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik and Inzamam leading Pakistan's batting into the final; Australia won all 11 matches without defeat to claim their second World Cup title.
The 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup was held in England (with some matches in Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands) in May-June 1999. Australia, captained by Steve Waugh, won every single match in the tournament (11/11) — including a dramatic semi-final against South Africa and a one-sided final against Pakistan at Lord's. It was Australia's second World Cup title, following their first in 1987 (Kolkata). Pakistan, with Wasim Akram as captain, reached the final as favourites after a strong unbeaten tournament, but were bowled out for just 132 and lost by 8 wickets.
The South Africa Semi-Final: Cricket's Most Famous Tie
The Super Six match between South Africa and Australia, and their semi-final rematch (also Australia vs South Africa at Edgbaston on 17 June 1999), produced one of cricket's most dramatic endings. South Africa needed 1 run from 1 ball to win — Lance Klusener hit the ball and set off running; his partner Allan Donald did not run, was caught backing up, and was run out. The match finished as a tie. Because Australia had a better run rate than South Africa from the Super Six stage, Australia progressed to the final. Shane Warne played a central role — his bowling and fielding throughout the tournament were key. Klusener's ten runs in the final over, scored from three consecutive boundaries and a single off the previous deliveries, made this the most agonising defeat in South African cricket history.
The Final: Pakistan Collapse at Lord's
The final at Lord's on 20 June 1999 was anticlimactic after the dramatic semi-final. Pakistan, who had been in good form throughout the tournament, collapsed to 132 all out in 39 overs. Glenn McGrath took 2/13 from 9 overs in his most economical World Cup performance; Shane Warne took 4/33. Australia chased 133 in 20.1 overs — Adam Gilchrist (hitting the opening boundaries) and Mark Waugh got them home with 8 wickets in hand. Steve Waugh lifted the trophy at Lord's. McGrath was named Man of the Match and Man of the Tournament. Australia's perfect record (11/11) made this one of the most dominant World Cup campaigns in history.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the famous South Africa vs Australia semi-final at the 1999 World Cup?
The South Africa vs Australia semi-final at Edgbaston on 17 June 1999 ended in a tie — one of cricket's most dramatic moments. South Africa needed 1 run from the last ball to win and reach the final. Lance Klusener hit the ball and set off running, but his partner Allan Donald hesitated and was run out backing up. The match was tied at 213. Because Australia had a superior run rate in the Super Six stage, they advanced to the final on run rate. Australia then beat Pakistan in the final at Lord's by 8 wickets. It remains the most famous tie in World Cup history.
Who won the Man of the Tournament at the 1999 Cricket World Cup?
Glenn McGrath of Australia was named Man of the Tournament at the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup. He was also Man of the Match in the final at Lord's, where his 2/13 from 9 overs helped bowl Pakistan out for 132. McGrath's accuracy, pace, and ability to take wickets consistently throughout the tournament — against every team in every match — made him the outstanding bowler of the competition. Shane Warne's four wickets in the final and his performances in the semi-final (taking the key wicket that led to the South Africa tie) were equally crucial to Australia's 11-win unbeaten campaign.