What is it with battles between these two nations? They are always unique in their own way. Whether it is the 1999 world cup semi final or the very popular 434-438 match in March 2006 or the recent test match at Newlands (Cape town), it seems that analysts run of possible match situations. Just when a cricket lover or cricket expert starts thinking ‘this is not possible in cricket…’, it takes place in Australia – South Africa match.
Ties were a distant possibility until 1999 world cup semi-final match between these two countries was witnessed and ‘tie’ still remains a least probable event. 400 was never considered achievable by any team in ODI but on March 12, 2006 Australia simply demolished South African bowling by scoring 434. The events that followed were even more dramatic. Even the most optimistic South African fan would have lost all hope of the home team’s victory but South Africa managed to achieve the target in a sensational manner with Boucher hitting Brett Lee at long on for four.
Here is another match that will go down in history as one of the greatest. Venue :- Newlands, Cape town(South Africa), Date :- November 9, 2011, Teams involved :- need I mention it(??). Australia batted first after losing the toss in what looked like ideal conditions for play. Apart from the few rising deliveries ball was coming on to the bat and Michael Clarke played gem of an innings. But unfortunately for him there were not many batsmen at the other end who could even reach their double figures. But somehow with the help of tail enders he managed to score 107 and Australia ended with 214-8.
What followed on day 2 was mayhem. Day 1 and day 3 were just like any other normal days of a test match cricket. But day 2 was the one that acted like ‘stuffing’ between 2 pieces of bread that results in sandwich. Just like ‘stuffing’ is the entity that gives taste to the sandwich, it was Day 2 that gave flavor to this test match.
This epic day started with Australia resuming their innings on 214-8. Tail enders played well against the fearsome attack of SA to push their score to 288. At that moment it seemed that Australia should have taken their tally to above 300. But with some ordinary batting from SA and some extra ordinary bowling from Aussies, SA were reduced to 73-5 and a score of 288 looked too much for Proteas to get nearby. Under pressure they were all out for 96 conceding a lead of 188.
But then there is an old adage: ‘Cricket is a game of uncertainties.’ This saying must be modified a little bit. It should read as : Cricket is a game of uncertainties but when it is an Aus-SA encounter it becomes the game of unpredictability. And certainly what happened in Australia’s 2nd innings, ‘uncertainty’ would be an inappropriate term. They were reduced to 21-9, and were on the verge of getting the dubious distinction of getting bowled out for lowest test score of all times. Fortunately, last wicket pair added 26 runs for them to take their score to 47, thus leaving SA needing 236 for a historic win. Given the events on Day 2, Aussies were definitely optimistic of their chances but their hopes were all dashed with brilliant centuries from Amla and Smith. SA registered one of the great wins of all times.
Australia had to face severe criticism from former cricketers but credit must also be given to SA for performing outstandingly. Its not easy to bowl out formidable batting line-up like Australia for 47 and it becomes more difficult after coming back from a batting collapse conceding a lead of 188.
Well lets hope that Johannesburg witness another exciting match where both teams must perform to their potential and may the best team wins at the end!!
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