ICC World Cup 2019 is nearly over. Two semifinals will happen on July 9 and July 11 and the final will be happening on July 14 then we’ll have to wait for four more years to see another show. Before the battle of semi-finals, we should closely look upon the best 5 semi-final games of all time.

Top 5 World Cup semi-finals of all time

World Cup always produces big moments, especially in the closing stage. Today, we want to discuss the top 5 semi-finals of all time which really gave cricket fans huge joy and excitement.

  • Australia – South Africa (Birmingham 1999)

This game between Australia Vs South Africa happened at Edgbaston, Birmingham and simply one of the greatest game ever. What a match it was! Tremendous excitement, drama everything stored in there. Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock‘s blistering pace decayed Australia’s top-order. Aussie captain Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan saved the Kangaroos.

South Africa started well by the inninigs from Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten but Shane Warne‘s spin storm put them in danger. Jonty Rhodes and Jack Kallis‘s 84 runs partnership saved them from collapse. Australia got feet after Rhodes’s dismissal but Lance Klujner saved them again. In the last over, they only needed 9-runs. Klujner tied the game by scoring two fours. But, Allan Donald madly ran in the fourth ball and as a result, he was runout. Finally, Australia got the ticket for final due to their victory over Proteus on super six.

One of the most heartbreaking and exciting matches of all time.

Lance Klujner was the unluckiest man by then
Lance Klujner was the unluckiest man by then

  • New Zealand – South Africa (Auckland, 2015)

The rain-laden match helped New Zealand immensely. South Africa managed to score 281 in 43 overs due to rain. New Zealand got the target of 298 runs in the DLS method. New Zealand had a smooth run-rate but keep losing wickets without any break. Grant Eliott and Corey Anderson made a partnership of hundred runs and gave New Zealand an upper hand.

New Zealand needed 12 runs in last over. Daniel Vettori and Eliott hit one four and one six in Dale Steyn‘s last over which helped NZ to win the game. It was such another heartbreaking for South Africa.

Rain betrayed South Africa which cost them the final
Rain betrayed South Africa which cost them the final

  • Australia – West Indies (Mohali, 1996)

Australia lost Waugh brothers, Ricky Ponting in first five overs. But, Stuart Las and Michael Bevan’s inspiring innings helped Australia to overcome the threat of Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose. Australia finally passed the barrier of 200 runs. Brian Lara‘s good innings helped Windies to march smoothly towards the victory but Shane Warne‘s spin made them helpless and ultimately West Indies lost their all wickets and defeated by 6 runs.

Shane Warne's spin destroyed the hope of West Indies
Shane Warne’s spin destroyed the hope of West Indies

  • Pakistan – New Zealand (Auckland, 1992)

Martin Crowe‘s enigmatic leadership gave NZ a seven victory at stretch. They were favorite for the semi-final too. NZ scored 262 in the semi-final. At that time, it was considered a very big score. Pakistan lost Ramiz Raza and Selim Malik and their captain Imran Khan scored 44 in 93 balls. Pakistan was in deep problem and it seemed NZ are few steps away from the winning. Inzamam ul Haq was a youngster by then and chose this match to show himself in front of the world. His 60 runs from 37 balls earned the victory for Pakistan.

Inzamam's epic innings led Pakistan to final
Inzamam’s epic innings led Pakistan to final

  • England – South Africa (Sydney, 1992)

South Africa’s first World Cup after getting back from sanctions by ICC for racism problem. They got back and reach in the semi-final. South Africa again suffered by rain and ultimately they needed 22 runs in the last ball due to DLS method! It was such fun! Proteus batsman David Richardson didn’t even try to beat the ball!

South Africa's another failure due to rain
South Africa’s another failure due to rain

It seems like South Africa is the main victim of rain and semi-final curse. No wonder, they called as ”World Cup’s sad country”. Let’s see how much excitement or drama this World Cup keep its store for the upcoming semi-finals clashes!