Not the prettiest. Not the highest. The most impactful
The situation:
Australia lost to New Zealand and Pakistan in the group stage and had to win every Super Six game to survive. Last up: South Africa, the best ODI side in the world. Gibbs made 101, SA posted 271/7, and Australia slumped to 48/3. Tournament over.
The innings:
Waugh walked in and made 120* off 110 against Donald, Pollock and Klusener. Gibbs dropped him on 56, celebrating before he'd completed the catch. Australia won with two balls to spare.
The semi-final:
Four days later, the Edgbaston tie. Australia went through because they finished above SA in the Super Six, and they finished above SA because of Headingley. One innings knocked South Africa out twice.
What followed:
Australia won the final, then 16 straight Tests, then the 2003 and 2007 World Cups. Without Headingley, the dynasty may never start the way it did.
TL;DR: Waugh's 120* saved Australia against the best side in the world, decided the semi-final, and launched a decade of domination.
What do you guys think?
submitted by /u/curtlytalkstonoman[link] [comments]