After being away from international cricket for more than 20 years because of apartheid, South Africa returned to the game in late 1991. India led the way in welcoming them back. In their first One-Day International series in November 1991, South Africa impressed everyone, showing that cricket was still alive and well in their country. Although India won that series 2-1, South Africa got their payback four months later, winning their first World Cup match against India in 1992.
By October 13, 2000, when South Africa and India met in the semifinals of the ICC KnockOut Trophy in Nairobi, both teams were looking to regain their glory and win back their fans’ trust. South African captain Hansie Cronje had just been involved in a match-fixing scandal, which deeply affected the cricket scene in both countries.
India had lifted its spirits with a stunning victory over Australia in the quarterfinals, thanks to young stars Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan. But South Africa, the defending champions, were determined to show their strength. South Africa had won the first ICC KnockOut Trophy in 1998 and was looking to add another title.
In the semifinals, South Africa faced a tough challenge from India. India had strong players, including Sourav Ganguly, who was brilliant with the bat. He played a fantastic inning, scoring 141 runs and leading India to a high score of 295 runs.
In response, South Africa struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Zaheer Khan struck early, taking crucial wickets and putting South Africa on the back foot. Indian bowler Anil Kumble also did well, taking important wickets and controlling the game.
Despite efforts from players like Mark Boucher, who scored 60 runs, South Africa couldn’t recover. They were all out for 200 runs, losing by 95 runs and allowing India to enter the finals of a major tournament for the first time since 1985.
Match Summary:
– India: 295 runs in 50 overs (Sourav Ganguly 141, Sachin Tendulkar 39, Rahul Dravid 58, Yuvraj Singh 41; Allan Donald 2-34, Jacques Kallis 2-71)
– South Africa: 200 all out in 41 overs (Jonty Rhodes 32, Mark Boucher 60, Lance Klusener 29; Zaheer Khan 2-27, Anil Kumble 2-28, Sachin Tendulkar 2-32)
– Player of the Match: Sourav Ganguly
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