Share

CWC ’99 haunts Zulu weekly

Rob Houwing, Sport24 chief writer

Cape Town – More than 12 years on, former Proteas all-rounder Lance Klusener still thinks about the fateful World Cup 1999 semi-final mix-up with Allan Donald at Edgbaston “once a week”.

The often reserved Klusener produces probably his most candid recollection of the tied match with Australia – though the old enemy advanced to the final – in a new book available on Thursday.

Written by well-known broadcaster and writer Neil Manthorp, “The Proteas: 20 Years, 20 Landmark Matches 1991-2011” (Mercury publishers) overwhelmingly features triumphant moments in the national team’s two decades of post-isolation activity.

But the Birmingham nail-biter, where Donald was run out in a cruelly ill-timed misunderstanding with senior partner Klusener one run short of a target of 214, could hardly be ignored.

And Klusener, now involved in television commentary and an otherwise standout performer at that World Cup, says in the book: “It was my job to get us over the line, not Allan’s.

“I’ve asked the questions a thousand times, if not a million. Why did we run? Why didn’t I wait for the next ball? So many ‘what ifs’ and ‘buts’.

“I still think about it once a week. But that’s sport, isn’t it? What happened, happened. It’s gone. I was impatient. I just wanted to get it over and done.

“If I’d waited to the last two balls (potentially remaining of the innings), maybe they would have been perfect yorkers, who knows?

“It’s become a part of me and who I am. I’ll be asked about it for the rest of my life and I’ll always have to say I’m sorry.”

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE