On this day in 1999, Sri Lanka’s disastrous world title defence continued as they met a very hot South African team in Northampton. Yet, batting first, South Africa were on 5 for 69. That’s when Daryll Cullinan tried to rebuild the innings with Jonty Rhodes.
When the score was 103, Rhodes was dismissed, and when Cullinan was dismissed for 49, Chaminda Vaas pulled off somewhat of a controversially brilliant catch at the boundary line. The South African score was 8 for 122, and Sri Lanka were on top, looking forward to wrapping up the innings quickly.
However, with 15 overs left to play, Lance Klusener had different plans. The 1999 World Cup was his tournament, and living up to his reputation, he went on to bat a full 50 overs and, at the same time, made sure South Africa reached a fighting total of 199/9.
Klusener was unbeaten on 52, and he managed to add 44 runs for the 9th wicket with Steve Elworthy. Then he also added another 33 runs for the last wicket with Allan Donald.
Sri Lanka paid the price for not wrapping up the South African innings when they were on top and eventually were on 5 for 31 as South African bowlers were ripping through the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Only Roshan Mahanama with 36 runs and Mahela with 22 runs were able to reach the double figures as the Sri Lankan innings came to an end in the 36th over. They were bowled out for 110 runs.
Jacques Kallis took 3 wickets for 26 runs, while Shaun Pollock took 2 for 10 in 8 overs. Klusener, the man who saved South Africa with the bat, once again provided assistance with the ball, picking up three wickets for 21 runs.
Just like that, Sri Lanka faced a demoralising defeat, and at the same time, it showed how much fighting spirit the South African team had in them.
