On this day in 1999, Australia led by Steve Waugh defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the World Cup final at Lord’s, London. Pakistan, led by Wasim Akram, got no chance as spinner Shane Warner’s move proved to be very good as Australia bowled out Pakistan for a total of 132 runs in 39 overs.
Warne claimed four in the match and a combined top-order effort helped Australia win the title by eight wickets in just 20 overs, which was also their second World Cup title.
As it turned out, it was the first of three straight ODI World Cup titles for Australians to have won all.
Australia defeated South Africa in the second semi-final to reach the final, while Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 9 wickets to reach the final at Lord’s. Coming into the conflict, Pakistan claimed players who could make a difference individually and were real title contenders.
Pakistan won the toss at Lord’s and opted to bat against Australia on the day where it rained before the match. But the decision turned out in favor of Australia, especially the weather created a different atmosphere. It would have been an ideal decision to bowl first and allow the fast bowlers to take the field, however, Australia were practically promoted by giving them a chance to bowl.
Wajahatullah Vasti was the first player to be dismissed for a run by Glenn McGrath. A smooth swing delivery, Vasti tries to slide it for third man, but Mark Waugh remarkably caught the shot at second slip. From there, it was downhill for Pakistan as wickets fell one after the other. No significant partnership was being formed as Australia had already increased the pressure with their attacking unit.
The dismissal of Saeed Anwar was crucial for Australia and Damien Fleming managed to get the job done as the swashbuckler scored centuries in his last two matches. Apart from defending and taking its time, Pakistan self-destructed. Whenever he wanted to smash the ball, Australia got him out, especially when Warner was introduced.
By the 38th over, Pakistan were 129/9, and a mistimed shot by Akram off Warne summed up Pakistan’s performance in the final. Warne finished with figures of 4/33 with an economy of 3.66. Lowest economy? Glenn McGrath scored 1.44 runs in 9 overs.
With Australia on board to chase down 133, the Steve Waugh-led team wasted no time in getting the job done as quickly as possible. His only concern? Shoaib Akhtar and Akram love to bowl to him. But for Adam Gilchrist, both the bowlers were not worried as the wicket-keeper batsman scored a century in the first ten overs of the clash. Saqlain Mushtaq dismissed Gilchrist for 54, but it was done for Australia.
Ricky Ponting added 24 before Darren Lehmann scored the winning run with a boundary as Australia beat Pakistan by 8 wickets to win the 1999 Cricket World Cup and their second title.
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