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Memorable World Cup semi-finals

3 minute read

World Cup semi-finals tend to bring out the best contests of the tournament, with everything from low-scoring games, a tie and classic finishes.

Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

BEST OF WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS

BOWLER'S PARADISE HELPS AUSSIES OVER ENGLAND - 1975

The only other time Australia and England have met in a World Cup semi-final ahead of Thursday's clash. Gary Gilmour claimed the best figures in a knockout match with 6-11 as England succumbed for just 93. In the lowest-scoring semi-final in history, Australia fell in early trouble at 6-39 but scraped into the decider.

INZAMAM PUTS PAKISTAN OVER NEW ZEALAND - 1992

New Zealand thought they were through to their first World Cup semi-final when they reached 7-262 against Pakistan on home soil in Auckland. But after their only defeat in the group stage came to Pakistan, they were about to be outdone again. Inzaman Ul Haq was the hero for the visitors, arriving at the crease with his team needing 125 and smashing 60 off 37 balls, as they won with an over to spare.

McGRATH AND WARNE RULE THE WEST INDIES - 1996

Shane Warne is remembered for his 4-36 but it was Glenn McGrath who got Australia firing. With West Indies flying at 2-163 chasing 208, he got Shivnarine Chanderpaul caught at mid on and then got Roger Harper lbw two overs later. It sparked a massive collapse, as the Windies lost 8-39 and were knocked out of the tournament.

AUSTRALIA'S TIE ENOUGH TO END SOUTH AFRICA - 1999

The last time a World Cup semi-final was played at Edgbaston it produced the finest one-day match ever played. Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan rescued Australia from early trouble as Allan Donald took 4-32. Shane Warne claimed 3-0 in nine balls to put Australia back in the match before Lance Klusener provided some of the great power hitting of the era with 31 off 16. But the match will always be remembered for that last-over run out that left the match tied and put Australia into the the final.

NEW ZEALAND WIN AS SEMIS HURT SOUTH AFRICA AGAIN - 2015

Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers appeared to put South Africa in command at 5-281 after rain had reduced the match to 43 overs during their innings. But with a revised target of 298, World Cup semi-finals were again unkind to South Africa. Brendon McCullum hit 59 off 26 balls to put the Black Caps back in the hunt before the Proteas bounced back again. However, they fumbled their chances and when New Zealand needed 12 off the last over, Grant Elliott pull Dale Steyn into the crowd with a ball to spare to finish the contest.

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