ICC Cricket World Cup 1999: Australia Beat Pakistan at Lord's — Warne POTT, Semi-Final Tie vs SA
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 1999 was the seventh edition, hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Australia won their second World Cup title, defeating Pakistan by 8 wickets in the final at Lord's Cricket Ground, London on 20 June 1999. Pakistan were bowled out for 132 in 39 overs; Australia won in 20.1 overs (133 for 2). Shane Warne was named Player of the Tournament. The most remembered match of the tournament was the semi-final between Australia and South Africa at Edgbaston, which tied on 213 — with South Africa needing one run from one ball (Lance Klusener's runout ended the match in a tie; Australia advanced on run rate from the Super Six stage). Allan Donald was the South African batter left stranded.
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 1999 was the seventh edition, hosted across England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and the Netherlands in May-June 1999. It featured 12 teams. Australia came in with a powerful squad but were not certainties — South Africa, led by Hansie Cronje, were considered equal contenders. The tournament used a Super Six format. The defining moment was not the final but the semi-final.
The Tied Semi-Final: Klusener, Donald, and Australia's Advance
The semi-final between Australia and South Africa at Edgbaston on 17 June 1999 is one of cricket's most remembered matches. South Africa needed 1 run from 1 ball to win. Lance Klusener (who had been dominant all tournament) hit the ball to mid-on and ran — Allan Donald, the non-striker, was slow to respond, dropped his bat, and was run out. The match tied at 213. Under the competition rules, Australia advanced because of their superior run rate in the Super Six stage. South Africa were eliminated. Australia beat Pakistan in the final at Lord's by 8 wickets — Pakistan bowled out for 132, Australia winning in 20.1 overs. Shane Warne was named Player of the Tournament.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the Australia vs South Africa semi-final at the ICC CWC 1999?
The Australia vs South Africa semi-final at Edgbaston on 17 June 1999 tied at 213. South Africa needed 1 run from 1 ball; Lance Klusener hit to mid-on and ran, but Allan Donald was run out after dropping his bat and hesitating. Under competition rules, Australia advanced on superior run rate from the Super Six stage. Australia then beat Pakistan by 8 wickets in the final at Lord's. Shane Warne was Player of the Tournament.