A promised showdown turns into a docile comedown

World Cup Classics: Final - Australia v Pakistan, Lord's, London, 20 June 1999

What promised to be a summit end to the World Cup turned out to be a plummet instead. It was a disappointing finish to an otherwise closely contested and keenly watched World Cup. Pakistan was the most exciting team and one of the favorites while Australians were on a roll after a stuttering start to their campaign. Australia thrashed Pakistan in the final to win their second title in style much to the disappointment of the spectators and the broadcasters alike.

The start was delayed by half an hour due to rain. Wasim Akram batted first after winning the toss, a decision which was widely censured. Both teams went unchanged. Yousuf Youhana (now Mohammad Yousuf) had regained fitness but Ijaz Ahmed’s experience was preferred over Yousuf’s form and exuberance. It was another decision which was criticized. Saeed Anwar started well for Pakistan. Pakistan collected 14 runs from the 4th over bowled by Fleming thanks to 2 crispy fours by Anwar. McGrath accounted for Wajahatullah Wasti in the next over but the real damage was done in the following over. Saeed took time to change the grip of his bat and immediately Pakistan lost the grip on the match when Saeed dragged next delivery, the first of Fleming’s 3rd over bowled from round the stumps, on to his stumps. It was a crucial wicket as he was the in-form batsman for Pakistan. Abdul Razzaq and Ijaz Ahmed sluggishly took the score to 68 when the former departed after handing a catch to Steve Waugh off Tom Moody after making 17 off 51 balls. He was earlier dropped by McGrath but could not cash on.

Then the moment came when Warne took the charge and task of the match in his hands, a task of demolishing Pakistan. He dismissed Ijaz off a beauty then had Moin caught behind to leave Pakistan at a hopeless 91 for 5. Ijaz proved to be the top scorer with 22 off 46 balls. Inzamam who was the last hope was given out wrongly by David Shepherd when the ball had clipped his pad on the way to the keeper. Pakistan desperately tried to slog out of the trouble but folded cheaply in 39 overs for just 132 runs. Warne took 4 for 33 while McGrath (2 for 13 in 9 overs) and Moody (2 for 17) too feasted on Pakistan batsmen. It was second 4-wicket haul for the magician in as many matches. The disappointment could be sensed in the air by all as Australians happily went to the change room while Pakistan prepared for a miracle as well as a backlash from the fans. As the Pakistan players were having their lunch with heavy hearts the captain and team management might well have been putting in order a long list of excuses for the domestic consumption.

Adam Gilchrist started in hurricane fashion to nip the thought of a miracle from Pakistan in the bud. After playing two overs cautiously he first hit Wasim Akram for a few fours then hit Shoaib Akhtar for a six and a four in one over. They brought up the 50 in 7.1 overs and when Gilchrist was caught by Inzi off Saqlain in the 11th over, Australia were in a commanding position at 75 for 1. Gilchrist scored a whirlwind 54 off 49 balls including 8 fours and a six. Ponting continued the good work and by the time he was dismissed by Akram he had brought Australia within sight of the victory. Darren Lehmann hit the winning boundary off the first ball of 21st over bowled by Saqlain to start off jubilant celebrations in the Australian camp. Mark Waugh remained not out on 37 off 54 balls with 4 fours. Shane Warne was named man of the match for his magnificent bowling while Lance Klusener was given the man of the series award for his all-round brilliance. Australian won by 8 wickets with 179 balls reaming; they would never have thought of such a thumping victory in their wildest of dreams.

When Australia were on the brink of elimination, Steve Waugh had said that he would win all of the remaining 7 matches to lift the world cup and he did just that. What a player he was and what a captain he proved to be. It was the start of an unprecedented run of World Cup victories for the Australians while for the men in green this loss was just the tip of an ice berg of many defeats to come.