South Africa had already come out of isolation by playing an ODI series in India but the participation in their first World Cup was the platform which they chose to unfurl their enthusiasm. Clive Rice was disposed off in a controversial manner from the team handing the captaincy to Kepler Wessels who had played and thrived for Australia during the isolation period. South Africa announced that they are well and truly back by trouncing a lackluster Australian team in their first World Cup match at Sydney.
Australia having lost their opening match opted to bat after winning the coin. This highly publicized game started dramatically when umpire Brian Aldridge failed to spot a clear edge from the very first ball bowled by Allan Donald off the bat of Geoff Marsh. The Proteas though disappointed showed tremendous resolve and did not give away an inch in their bowling and fielding. Jonty Rhodes introduced to the world a new dimension in fielding by diving and throwing himself violently towards the ball like a hare and with his electric-quick throws he made life further difficult for the batsmen. A slow start was further hampered by double blow from Adrian Kuiper who removed Marsh and Border on successive balls. Marsh made a painstaking 25 off 72 balls. When Tom Moody was trapped by the ‘white-lightening’ Donald, Aussies were struggling at 108 for 5 in the 33rd over. Remaining batsmen including Steve Waugh could not provide any impetus and they finished for a pathetic 170 for 9 in 49 overs. Donald took 3 for 34 while Kuiper and Brian McMillan shared two scalps each. For Aussies Boon and Waugh made 27 each.
South Africa knew the match was in their bag but they did not take any chances and pursued their task cautiously. When Andrew Hudson and Wessels put on 74 for the first wicket, Australia had almost lost any hope of a miracle. McDermott though bowled tightly but could not dislodge any of the batsmen. Ian Healy was hamstrung so Boon was keeping in his place. It was a special moment for Wessels when he along with Peter Kirsten reached the target in the 47h over. Man of the Match Wessels remained not out on 81 while Kirsten made unbeaten 49.
Congratulations poured in from the President as well as The Man Nelson Mandela himself. Australia had lost both their opening games while South Africans had launched their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion.
Australia having lost their opening match opted to bat after winning the coin. This highly publicized game started dramatically when umpire Brian Aldridge failed to spot a clear edge from the very first ball bowled by Allan Donald off the bat of Geoff Marsh. The Proteas though disappointed showed tremendous resolve and did not give away an inch in their bowling and fielding. Jonty Rhodes introduced to the world a new dimension in fielding by diving and throwing himself violently towards the ball like a hare and with his electric-quick throws he made life further difficult for the batsmen. A slow start was further hampered by double blow from Adrian Kuiper who removed Marsh and Border on successive balls. Marsh made a painstaking 25 off 72 balls. When Tom Moody was trapped by the ‘white-lightening’ Donald, Aussies were struggling at 108 for 5 in the 33rd over. Remaining batsmen including Steve Waugh could not provide any impetus and they finished for a pathetic 170 for 9 in 49 overs. Donald took 3 for 34 while Kuiper and Brian McMillan shared two scalps each. For Aussies Boon and Waugh made 27 each.
South Africa knew the match was in their bag but they did not take any chances and pursued their task cautiously. When Andrew Hudson and Wessels put on 74 for the first wicket, Australia had almost lost any hope of a miracle. McDermott though bowled tightly but could not dislodge any of the batsmen. Ian Healy was hamstrung so Boon was keeping in his place. It was a special moment for Wessels when he along with Peter Kirsten reached the target in the 47h over. Man of the Match Wessels remained not out on 81 while Kirsten made unbeaten 49.
Congratulations poured in from the President as well as The Man Nelson Mandela himself. Australia had lost both their opening games while South Africans had launched their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion.
Published in sportpulse.net
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