On This Day In 1999: Australia Beat Pakistan to Win Their Second ODI Cricket World Cup Title

Steve Waugh led the Australian cricket team to secure their second ODI World Cup title on June 20, 1999. The Aussies triumphed over Pakistan in a low-scoring final at Lord’s to engrave their name on the prestigious trophy. Australia— the most successful team in the ODI World Cup history– reached the final of the inaugural 1975 edition but lost to the West Indies.

They clinched their maiden title in 1987 under the captaincy of Allan Border, defeating England in the final. The Aussies were the runners-up of the 1996 World Cup.

As Australian cricket team celebrate their second ODI World Cup triumph today, let’s revisit how they overcame Pakistan to win the prized trophy.

The then-Pakistan captain Wasim Akram won the toss and elected to bat first. The Asian giants endured a batting collapse. Glenn McGrath drew the first blood for Australia in the fifth over, dismissing Wajahatullah Wasti for one run. Another Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar also failed to survive long and returned to the hut in the very next over scoring 15.

The incoming batters also struggled in front of Australia’s formidable pace attack featuring the likes of Glenn McGrath and Paul Reiffel.

For Pakistan, only Ijaz Ahmed could breach the 20-run mark. Among others, Abdul Razzaq and Inzamam-ul-Haq contributed 17 and 15 runs respectively to the scoresheet.

While the fast bowlers stole the show with the new ball, it was Shane Warne who ran through Pakistan middle and lower order. The legendary spinner registered a four-wicket haul on the big day, conceding 33 runs in nine overs. Pakistan ultimately folded for 132 in the 39th over.

Australia pulled off a roaring start to the chase, with the opening pair of Mark Waugh and Adam Gilchrist adding 75 runs to the board. Gilchrist was the top scorer for the Aussies in the final, registering 54 off 36 balls.

Meanwhile, Waugh anchored the innings and remained unbeaten till the end at 37 (not out). He stitched a solid partnership with Ricky Ponting who scored 24. Darren Lehmann chipped in with a quickfire 13 comprising two boundaries. Australia, eventually, reached the target comfortably with 179 balls to spare.

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