Thursday 12 February 2015 15:40, UK
Our World Cup Classic series continues with a semi-final that had it all – brutal batting, brilliant bowling and what must surely be the most dramatic finish in ODI history.
Edgbaston has rarely witnessed such scenes of jubilation as Australia’s celebration when South Africa’s last man, Allan Donald, was run out with the scores tied, Steve Waugh’s side advancing to the final by virtue of a higher run-rate in the Super Six table.
With South Africa needing one to win off four balls following Lance Klusener’s merciless 31 off 14 deliveries, the game seemed up for Australia who had earlier been bowled out for 213 by the unerring Shaun Pollock (5-36) and Donald, who twice took two wickets in an over to claim 4-32.
That Australia posted that many was testimony to the grit and graft of Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan, who added 90 for the fifth wicket – a stand that appeared to be of match-winning proportions when Shane Warne struck three times to reduce South Africa to 53-3.
Herschelle Gibbs, the second to fall, had no chance against a ball that pitched a distance outside leg and span viciously to hit the top of off – rivalling Warne’s ‘ball of the century’ to Mike Gatting in 1993 and thereafter it took all of Jacques Kallis’ resilience to keep South Africa afloat.
Jonty Rhodes (43 off 55 balls) played a gallant hand but it was Klusener who turned the tide, taking South Africa to the brink and levelling the scores with consecutive fours off Damien Fleming.
With the field up, Klusener mowed the ball back past the bowler and set off while Donald made sure of his ground at the non-striker’s end.
Amid the commotion a diving Mark Waugh flipped the ball to Fleming, who coolly rolled to wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist who had the simplest of tasks in removing the bails.
Watch the best of the action on Sky Sports for iPad, Sky Go or by signing in to watch the video. Then don't miss our extended World Cup Classics series on Sky Sports once the 2015 ICC World Cup begins on February 13.
