ICC World Cup 2023: Jonty Rhodes Recalls Lance Klusener’s Heroics In 1999 World Cup

Former South Africa player Jonty Rhodes recalled Lance Klusener’s heroics from the ODI World Cup 1999. Lance Klusener is another former South African player. Jonty Rhodes said that Lance Klusener was undefeated throughout the tournament.

South Africa’s semi-final clash against Australia in the 1999 World Cup is one of the most memorable matches to date. South Africa needed to defeat Australia in the match to reach the final.

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South Africa had a target of 214 runs to chase. They almost pulled off the victory in the end. However, the match ended in a tie as South Africa lost their last wicket with one more run needed for victory.

Due to a goof-up between Klusener and Allan Donald, while sneaking a single, South Africa lost their last wicket through run-out. The match ended in a tie and Australia got a ticket to the final with a better net run rate.

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Lance Klusener Single-Handedly Almost Got Us To The Final: Jonty Rhodes

Speaking in an ICC video, former South Africa batsman Jonty Rhodes recalled Lance Klusener’s outstanding performance during the ICC World Cup 1999 semi-final.

“He (Klusener) single-handedly almost got us to the final. We tied the semi-final against Australia at Edgbaston and Lance Klusener was undefeated (not out), but his entire tournament was pretty much undefeated”, Jonty Rhodes said while talking about Australia vs South Africa semi-final.

Chasing 214 in the semi-final match against Australia, South Africa lost their 4 wickets for just 61 runs on the board. Klusener remained unbeaten on 31 runs off 16 balls to keep the winning hopes alive.

However, the left-handed batsman could not grab victory and South Africa was eliminated from the tournament. Jonty Rhodes also played a good knock of 45 runs in the match.

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Jonty Rhodes Lauds Lance Klusener For 1999 WC Show

Rhodes also heaped praises on Klusener for his consistency throughout the tournament.

“The consistency he showed and the power…he was winning games for us from very tough situations. If you always saw his face he was unflapped and he never seemed to succumb to the anxiety of the moment,” the 54-year-old said.

Lance Klusener played 9 games in ODI World Cup 1999 and slammed 281 runs in 8 innings at an incredible average of 140.50. He also stormed 2 half-centuries for the team.