Proteas Dream Return Turns Sour

World Cup Classics: 2nd semi final - England v South Africa, Sydney Cricket Ground, 22 March 1992

South Africa were enjoying their re-entry in World Cricket and performing magnificently. They easily qualified for the semi-final and they were joined by many who thought they could win the World Cup. Their march was halted by a very strong English side although the South Africans and spectators were left ruing the infamous rain rule which was coined for that tournament.

The rain rule was already being criticized although it in effect had not changed the standings of the four semi-finalists.  Those who censure Pakistan that they were lucky to get a point against England after being bowled out for 74 forget to realize that against South Africa the same Pakistan team was denied victory by this rule. South Africa were left disappointed to have got so close yet so far thanks to the rain rule but their strategy too was to be blamed equally. Why they opted to bat first despite the forecast of rain and why they bowled so sluggishly that 5 vital overs were docked from England innings are the questions people often forget to mention. A Duckworth-Lewis method actually would have set them a target of 273 in 45 overs rather than just 253 which they required that day.

Kepler Wessels won the toss and asked England to bat. Under clouds Donald and Meyrick Pringle got swing working their way. Gooch departed early but Botham hit a few cracking shots before being bowled by Pringle. Alec Stewart and Graeme Hick continued to play their strokes and took the score to 110 when the former went caught at the wicket off McMillan. Those who followed him continued the aggressive momentum which was boosted even further by a cameo from Reeve who scored a rapid 25 off just 14 balls. He was particularly severe on Donald. Hick meanwhile had left after making 83 off just 90 balls with 9 fours. Reeve’s swashbuckling effort was cut short as South Africans were too sluggish to complete their overs in the required time. England made 252 in the 45 overs bowled. Pringle and Donald shared two wickets each but Donald gave away 69 runs in his ten overs. England though disappointed to miss the final onslaught were confident of defending the total. Proteas on the other hand had different ideas.

Andrew Hudson and Wessels started blazingly for South Africa. Although they continued to lose wickets they did not let the asking rate go up. Hudson made a stylish 46 off 52 balls laced with 6 boundaries. Jonty Rhodes showed his batting prowess by scoring quickly and made vital 43 runs off just 38 balls. When rain interrupted the Proteas innings they were happily placed at 231 for 6 in 42.5 overs with McMillan and Dave Richardson batting well at 20 and 13 respectively. They required 21 runs from 13 balls which they fancied they could have made but for the rain rule. There were no reserve days for the tournament and strict rules did not allow the use of flood lights to extend the game to complete the overs. When after 12 minutes the play resumed the scoreboard showed a farcical 22 required in just one ball. It was actually 21 off one ball which McMillan played softly for a single off a Lewis delivery who bowled from a shortened run-up. England had won by 19 runs. South Africans were infuriated while England rather than celebrating were looking embarrassed. Hick was declared the Player of the Match although many South Africans considered real player was the rain-rule.

England had qualified for their 3rd World Cup final while South Africa’s marvelous campaign had ended on a bitter note.