While the match is often remembered for its heartbreaking finish, when scores ended level and Australia advanced to the final on a superior Super Six run rate, that final moment only tells part of the story. What came before was a contest packed with brilliance and momentum swings.
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Australia were rebuilt by the calm and experienced pairing of Michael Bevan and Steve Waugh after slipping to 68 for 4, steering their innings back to respectability. Earlier, South Africa’s attack had been outstanding, with Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald producing a devastating spell that yielded combined figures of 9 for 68.
South Africa, in response, looked in control at 48 without loss, only for Shane Warne to turn the match with a masterful spell of 4 for 29, dragging Australia back into contention. Jacques Kallis, playing despite not being fully fit, produced a monumental all round effort that kept South Africa in the fight, while Lance Klusener’s explosive batting seemed to have sealed victory.
Yet with just three deliveries remaining and one run required, disaster struck. Klusener set off for what should have been the winning run, but a breakdown in communication with Allan Donald ended South Africa’s hopes in agonising fashion.
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Photo: Ross Kinnaird /Allsport
