Share

Magic moments at the CWC

accreditation
Australia's captain Michael Clarke (top C) lifts the winning trophy of 2015 Cricket World Cup during a victory lap after his team beat New Zealand in the final in Melbourne. (AFP)
Australia's captain Michael Clarke (top C) lifts the winning trophy of 2015 Cricket World Cup during a victory lap after his team beat New Zealand in the final in Melbourne. (AFP)

Cape Town - Magic moments in the 2015 Cricket World Cup which concluded on Sunday with Australia lifting the trophy.

Captain Morgan or invisible man?

England captain Eoin Morgan was introduced as 'Eoin Rogers' by the mayor of Wellington when the team arrived in the New Zealand capital. Morgan, 28, shrugged off the gaffe: "I’ve been called a lot worse. She got the hardest part right."

Rambo inspires Afghanistan

Afghanistan fast bowler Hamid Hassan became a cult hero, charging in with bandanna strapped tightly around his head, with cheeks painted in the colours of the Afghan flag. He admitted his hero was Rambo but unlike Sylvester Stallone's on-screen lone wolf, he performed a nifty cartwheel when he took a wicket. Hassan was also at the non-striker's end when Shapoor Zadran hit the winning runs in the historic win over Scotland.

Gayle takes tweet revenge

If West Indies Cricket Board president Dave Cameron was trying to get Chris Gayle fired up when he retweeted a call from a fan to pension off the star opener, it certainly did the trick.

"Gayle goes Can’t buy a run. Let’s give him a retirement package Can’t fail repeatedly and still front up based on reputation," was the fan's post retweeted by the Windies boss.

Two days later, Gayle smashed the first-ever World Cup double century in the win over Bangladesh.

Joyce freed on bail

Ireland's Ed Joyce had a lucky break when he survived the ball hitting the stumps while batting against the United Arab Emirates in Brisbane.

Amjad Javed thought he'd struck with his fourth ball when an inswinger beat left-hander Joyce's defence and caused the LED lights on the bails to flash. But although the off-bail was disturbed, it landed back in its groove and Joyce was not out.

Choke's on you, Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell joked with the Auckland crowd that New Zealand would crumble in their pursuit of a modest 152-run target to defeat his Australians in the pool phase by turning to the fans and making a choking gesture by clasping his hands around his throat. Moments later, Kane Williamson launched a six over Maxwell's head for a dramatic one-wicket win.

That's pants, Yasir

Pakistan leg spinner Yasir Shah made a brave but fruitless, diving attempt to prevent a four in the win against South Africa in Auckland. Worse was to follow as millions of TV viewers around the world got a glimpse of Yasir's pristine white Y-fronts as his trousers got caught in the boundary ropes.

Bugs life in Hamilton

New Zealand and Bangladesh players had to call for insect sprays to fend off swarms of black bugs which descended on Hamilton's Seddon Park.

On a steamy, muggy day in the city, bugs caused a number of brief stoppages as Bangladesh batted in the early afternoon.

It was also reported that nearby pharmacies had run out of insect repellent as players and fans sought relief.

Music while you work

Tournament DJs, supplying music snippets in between overs or during breaks, have been quick witted and quick off the mark. They played the Monkees' "I'm a Believer" when Pakistan were trying to chase down the West Indies in Christchurch and "Doctor, Doctor" by the Thompson Twins as New Zealand's Martin Guptill was treated for cramp against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's 'Bryan brothers'

Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and skipper Mashrafe Mortaza mimicked US tennis brothers Mike and Bob Bryan's famous leaping chest bump celebration when Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed. It was a powerful collision, sending both men falling to the ground.

Sound of Wahab hands clapping

In a tense quarter-final between Pakistan and Australia, Wahab Riaz peppered Shane Watson with a series of short balls before eyeballing and applauding the veteran all-rounder. Wahab also blew him a kiss for luck during one of the tournament's most hostile spells of fast bowling. Watson had the last laugh as he was dropped by Rahat Ali before leading his team to victory, although both men were later fined.

Guptill best ever - again

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill smashed a World Cup record 237 in the quarter-final against the West Indies, passing the previous best of 215 set by Gayle against Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament. He also beat his own personal record of 189, the previous best score in a one-day international by a New Zealand batsman.

South African kills off South Africa

Johannesburg-born Grant Elliott made an undefeated 84 in what proved to be a crucial match-clinching innings for New Zealand in a memorable semi-final against South Africa in Auckland. He secured victory with a huge six off Dale Steyn.

Clarke signs off in style

Australia captain Michael Clarke dedicated the World Cup title to Phillip Hughes, the team-mate who died after being hit on the head by a bouncer last year.

"I'm sure everybody standing on this stage will say we played this World Cup with 16 players," said Clarke who made a 74 in the final.

"This victory is dedicated to our little brother Phillip Hughes."

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 ()