On this day in 1999: The infamous Gibbs’ dropped catch allows Australia a victory
Herschelle Gibbs was one of the best fielders of his time. He could fly in the air and pouch great catches, and could also make insane dives on the fields as well. But then, on the biggest stage in the ODI format of the game, Gibbs committed a blunder on the field that cost his side a win in a crucial World Cup match on 13th June 1999 against Australia.
Gibbs was stationed at mid-wicket, and Steve Waugh flicked Lance Klusener straight into his hands. But then, Gibbs grassed the offering, and that proved to be costly for the Proteas. Australia’s victory in this group game proved decisive after these two teams tied their semi-final match. Since Australia had defeated South Africa in this encounter, they proceeded to the final and went on to win the title.
And, Herschelle Gibbs led from the front with the bat. He scored a marvellous 101 against a bowling attack consisting of behemoths like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Damien Fleming. Apart from Gibbs, Daryll Cullinan also scored a timely half-century, as South Africa ended their first innings with their scorecard reading 271/7.
For Australia, right arm pacer Damien Fleming was the pick of the bowlers. Fleming picked up 3 wickets in the 10 overs that he bowled, and gave away 57 runs. Australia was rocked early in their run chase and was reduced to 48/3. But then, two batting legends, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh resurrected the Australian innings.
The duo was involved in a partnership of 126 runs for the 4th wicket. While Ponting was dismissed for 69, Steve Waugh stayed till the end (courtesy Gibbs’ dropped catch) and scored a marvellous 120* off 110 deliveries. And in the end, Australia won the closely fought encounter with five wickets and just two balls to spare.
For South Africa, Steve Elworthy was the pick of the bowlers. In the 10 overs that he bowled, Elworthy scalped 2 wickets and gave away 46 runs. And, for his masterly knock that allowed the kangaroos to beat South Africa, Steve Waugh was awarded the Player of the Match award.
And, even 22 years later, this match is still remembered for the dropped catch by Herschelle Gibbs that allowed Steve Waugh’s Australia to post a famous win.
