OTD | 1992 The World Cup semi-final that ended in farce

March 22, 1992 will always be remembered as one of the darkest days in world cricket when South Africa’s World Cup dreams faded away thanks to one of the most controversial rulings in the sport. The iconic image of the giant screen saying “South Africa need 22 runs off 1 ball” remains fresh in the memory of cricket fans worldwide to this day.

Winning the toss and fielding first, South Africa made a great start with the new ball, restricting England to 39 for 2 and sending captain Graham Gooch and Ian Botham back to the pavilion. Graeme Hick, however, produced an outstanding innings, scoring 83 from 90 deliveries. He held the innings well along with wicketkeeper Alec Stewart. The innings was given a major boost towards the end by all-rounder and Warwickshire captain Dermot Reeve, who scored a quick-fire 25 off just 14 balls to take the Three Lions to 252 from 45 overs. South Africa managed five overs less than the allotted 50 due to time restrictions.

In return, the Proteas made a decent start to the run chase thanks to opener Andrew Hudson’s 46 off 52 deliveries. When he was dismissed by Richard Illingworth, South Africa were 90 for the loss of three wickets. None of the Proteas batters managed to cross 50 runs. However, healthy contributions up and down the order kept them in the game, most notably a 38-ball 43 scored by Jonty Rhodes. The score was 206 for 6 when the world-renowned fielder headed back to the pavilion.

With South Africa needing 22 off 13 balls and with set Brian McMillan and David Richardson in the middle, they were nowhere out of the game. However, the heavens above the Sydney Cricket Ground opened up.

When the rain stopped and both sides came out to take the field, the crowd along with South Africa were stunned to see that the revised total saw them needing an impossible 22 runs off just one ball. This was down to the ‘lowest-scoring-over rain rules’ where the target for the chasing team is reduced by the number of runs scored by the side batting first in their least productive overs.

The controversial ruling meant England went ahead to secure a place in the World Cup final where they would face Imran Khan’s Pakistan. A Wasim Akram-inspired side won by 22 runs to secure Pakistan’s maiden World Cup title whilst handing England their second consecutive World Cup final defeat. The Three Lions would have to wait until 2019 to finally lift the elusive trophy.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket playes and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!