Pollock celebrates the first wicket. (Getty Images)
South Africa v West Indies
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West Indies held on for a famous three-run victory over South Africa in the
opening match of the 2003 World Cup at Newlands in Cape Town.
But they were made to work hard for it in the end after the hosts, inspired by
Lance Klusener, made a remarkable late charge.
Brian Lara's brilliant 116 helped the Windies to an impressive 278 for four in
their 50 overs and, at 201 for six in reply, the South Africans' chances of
victory had seemed all but gone.
But Klusener suddenly awoke from his slumbers and, after taking 25 balls to
reach double figures, the burly left-hander hit 47 off only 23 balls to bring
the Proteas within a heartbeat of victory.
Carl Hooper caught him on the mid-wicket boundary from the third ball of the
final over to end a memorable innings on 57 off 48 balls, including one four and
five sixes, and with him went South Africa's lingering hopes of victory.
Those hopes had appeared to have been dashed much earlier on when South Africa
lost Jacques Kallis and Jonty Rhodes in quick succession.
First, Pedro Collins induced an edge from all-rounder Kallis (13) and then
Carl Hooper bowled Rhodes (two) to swing the match decisively in the visitors'
favour.
In the end South Africa, who finished on 275 for nine off their 49 overs, were
made to rue the over deducted by match referee Ranjan Senerath Madugalle for a
slow over-rate.
However, the Windies were worthy winners - thanks in the main to the
brilliance of Lara.
The left-hander saved his side's blushes after they had stumbled to seven for
two in an embarrassing start and scored a brilliant 116 off 134 balls, with 12
fours and two sixes.
His innings built a platform for an onslaught from Ramnaresh Sarwan (32no) and
Ricardo Powell (40no) in the final overs to get West Indies up to their imposing
score.
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