India is set to clash with New Zealand, while South Africa is poised to take on longtime rival Australia in the World Cup semifinals. Let’s revisit two memorable instances when these matchups unfolded at the same stage of the tournament. Both encounters were marked by critical run-out moments, with one determined by a narrow margin and the other spanning almost the entire pitch length. These run-outs became emblematic images of their respective matches, concluding one era and ushering in a new one. As players and fans gear up for the semifinals with a spot in the final at stake, these historic moments will linger in their minds.
In the 2019 World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand in Manchester, a two-day ODI ensued to decide the finalist. New Zealand, having won the toss, struggled to reach 239/8 after resuming their innings at 211/5 on the reserve day. In response, India found themselves gasping at 92/6 when Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni‘s partnership reignited hopes. However, with 25 needed off 10 balls, a crucial run-out occurred when Lockie Ferguson’s delivery struck Dhoni’s damaged finger, leading to a decisive direct hit from Martin Guptill. This run-out marked the end of India’s campaign, with the defeat extending their ICC title drought. For Dhoni, it was his final international game, closing a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket.
The aftermath saw India facing New Zealand again in the World Test Championship final two years later, resulting in another victory for the Black Caps. Virat Kohli stepped down as captain without securing ICC silverware. Meanwhile, New Zealand, despite their heartbreak in the subsequent final against England, showcased their commendable journey in major tournaments.
Shifting focus to the 1999 World Cup semifinal between Australia and South Africa in Birmingham, the match unfolded as a dramatic and nail-biting spectacle. South Africa won the toss, and when Australia found themselves at 68/4 after 17 overs, the Proteas seemed vindicated. However, a partnership between Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan took Australia to a total of 213, with Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald claiming nine wickets.
During the chase, Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten’s strong start was disrupted by Shane Warne, leading to a collapse from 48/0 to 61/4 in nine overs. Lance Klusener, South Africa’s star performer, found himself batting with Allan Donald in the final over, needing 9 runs for victory. Klusener’s powerful hits tied the scores, but a mix-up between him and Donald resulted in a run-out, securing Australia’s place in the final. This heart-wrenching moment left South Africa devastated, and Australia went on to win the World Cup, solidifying their dominance in the tournament.
The aftermath saw Australia clinching the title by defeating Pakistan in the final, while South Africa has yet to reach a World Cup final. The match also carried lasting memories, and subsequent events, such as Hansie Cronje‘s involvement in match-fixing and tragic deaths of individuals like Bob Woolmer and Cronje, added layers to the historical narrative.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming World Cup semifinals, where India faces New Zealand and South Africa takes on their old nemesis, Australia, cricket enthusiasts are poised for a spectacle that could potentially define a new chapter in the sport’s history. The echoes of past encounters at the same stage of the tournament resound with the memories of two iconic run-out moments that shaped the outcomes of the respective matches.
In the 2019 World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand, the cricketing world witnessed a two-day saga that unfolded in Manchester. New Zealand’s tenacity had them reach 239/8 after resuming their innings at 211/5 on the reserve day. India, in response, found themselves reeling at 92/6 before the duo of Ravindra Jadeja and the legendary MS Dhoni ignited hopes of a miraculous comeback. However, fate took a turn when, with 25 needed off 10 balls, Lockie Ferguson’s delivery struck Dhoni’s already-damaged finger. A crucial run-out ensued, as Martin Guptill’s rocket throw from the boundary found the former Indian captain inches short. This marked the end of India’s campaign, and for Dhoni, it was a poignant conclusion to a stellar international career.
The aftermath saw India and New Zealand cross paths again in the subsequent World Test Championship final, adding another layer to their evolving rivalry. As Virat Kohli relinquished the captaincy without securing ICC silverware, New Zealand continued to showcase their mettle in major tournaments, despite the heartbreak in the final against England.
Turning the pages back to the 1999 World Cup semifinal between Australia and South Africa in Birmingham, the cricketing world was treated to a drama-filled spectacle. South Africa, having won the toss, saw Australia at 68/4 after 17 overs, creating a sense of vindication. However, a resilient partnership between Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan pushed Australia to a total of 213, with Shaun Pollock and the formidable Allan Donald sharing nine wickets.
The chase, initially propelled by Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten, took a dramatic turn when Shane Warne intervened. South Africa found themselves in dire straits at 61/4 within nine overs. The Proteas, led by Jonty Rhodes and Jacques Kallis, mounted a comeback, but it was Lance Klusener, their hero of the tournament, who stood at the crease with Allan Donald in the final over, requiring nine runs for victory. Klusener’s powerful hits tied the scores, only for a miscommunication between him and Donald to result in a run-out. Australia secured their place in the final, leaving South Africa in despair.
The aftermath saw Australia clinching the World Cup title by defeating Pakistan in the final. South Africa, however, continued to face World Cup heartbreaks, notably in the 2007 semifinal against the Aussies. The match remains etched in cricketing history, and the subsequent events, including the involvement of Hansie Cronje in match-fixing and the tragic deaths of individuals like Bob Woolmer and Cronje, added a somber undertone to the narrative.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the unfolding drama of the upcoming World Cup semifinals, these past encounters serve as a reminder of the unpredictable and emotionally charged nature of the sport, where a single moment can alter the course of history.
