Evergreen World Cup Moments 1999, 1999 World Cup Memories, World Cup memorable moments, World Cup Memories, World Cup Moments

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Evergreen World Cup Moments 1999

There is certainly no doubt that the 1983 World Cup win inspired an entire generation. Cricket was never the same post India’s historic win. The commercial aspect arrived, there was a change in the power center and the Indian fan was at the heart of everything. There were expectations that India would win the World Cup in 1987. It was pretty much the same in the 1996 World Cup. As often is the case, it is a World Cup tournament that ignites passion among people. The 1999 World Cup in England was one such edition for many.

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We look back at Evergreen World Cup Moments 1999

#3 Rahul Dravid vs Zimbabwe

India was not expected to lift the trophy in the 1999 World Cup. The team might have had a squad that covered all bases but they were far from being the champion side. They lost the opening game against South Africa. India’s second game was against Zimbabwe. Sachin Tendulkar, the batting talisman missed out on the game owing to a personal emergency. It was against this backdrop that India came up against a high-flying Zimbabwe unit. 

Bowling first, India conceded 50+ extras thereby curtailing their chase to just 46 overs. India lost their opening wicket early. Enter Rahul Dravid at number 3. He batted without a helmet and that visual has stayed strong for many cricket lovers. No wonder, Dravid was voted as the youth icon. There was something refreshingly cool about Dravid fronting up without the helmet.

#2 The South Africa vs Pakistan game

Not many people refer to this game in the same glowing fashion as they do for other contests from this edition. But South Africa taking on Pakistan in the Super Six stage was a big deal back then. They were arguably the two best ODI teams of those times. It was believed that either of these two teams would win the World Cup. 

Pakistan entered Super Six losing just a single game to Bangladesh. South Africa, similarly won everything barring a loss to Zimbabwe. It was the quintessential clash of titans. Pakistan’s coveted bowling comprising Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, and Saqlain Mushtaq was closest to perfection. Not many teams in the history of ODI cricket can boast of having such a bowling lineup. 

South Africa in response had just one weapon in their armoury. It was their most used weapon across the tournament. The name was Lance Klusener. Chasing a score of 220, Pakistan had reduced South Africa to 58-5. Everyone who followed this World Cup knew it was Klusener time. The star allrounder didn’t disappoint one bit. He smashed 46 from 41 balls to take South Africa home. It was power-hitting of the highest order. Klusener became a role model for every young kid watching the game.

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#1 Australia vs India

Australia and India were the only two teams who didn’t carry over any points into the Super Six. The match between the two sides was the first in the Super Six stage. India won the toss and put Australia into bat. All of India’s wins in the league stage came batting first. It made little cricketing sense to even the viewer for whom it was the first World Cup experience. Australian batsmen hammered the Indian bowlers to post a score of 282-6. Indian bowlers conceded 35 extras. The game was as good as over in the first 6 overs of India’s chase. 

Glenn McGrath blew away India’s top order to catch them reeling at 17-4. This scorecard always brought in shivers considering India will take on the mighty Aussies in the World Cup. To see the current Indian team win the game from being 2-3 fills one with pride. India’s win over Australia in Chennai, in 2023 was a sweet revenge for those who had seen India surrender in 1999.