Pakistan did everything right in the ICC cricket world cup 1999 to be in the finals but they did not imagined to be against the mighty Australia.
3 days before the finals, Australia outshined South Africa in the greatest ODI of cricket history and on the day of finals they were all charged up to beat any opponent.
After winning the toss Pakistan elected to bat first but their decision turned out to be a dreary courtesy of Shane Warne’s brilliant spell.
The 1992 World Cup champions lost their 1st and 2nd wickets on the score of 21 as both their openers walked back to pavilion because of some brilliant balls from Damien Fleming and Glenn McGrath.
Abdul Razzaq and Ijaz Ahmed then somehow managed to steady Pakistan’s ship by adding 47 runs but then Warne came, saw and destroyed the line-up by taking 4 important wickets and bowling out Pakistan to just 132 in the ICC cricket world cup 1999.
Chasing a small target like 133 is a cake walk for the mighty Australian side, but even a 100 run target will a nail biting affair due to finals pressure. Although Australia being Australia, they chased down the target in just 20.1 overs and take home their second World cup title.
The skipper Steve Waugh remained unbeaten in the chase with steady 37 runs knock. Adam Gilchrist, who is known for thrashing opponents did the same by smashing 54 off just 36 before getting out. Ricky Ponting played an innings of 24 and was dismissed by Pakistan legend Wasim Akram. Darren Lehmann then joined the skipper Steve Waugh to hand Australia their World Cup win.
Australia won their first world cup in 1987. In 1999 they won their second and make it a three times in a row after winning 2003 and 2007.
India halted their dream run after in 2011 World Cup. But they came back stronger and won the 2015 World Cup.
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