<p>ICC World Cup 2019 is just around the corner. At the end of the marathon mega event, that will start from May 30 and end on July 14, a new chapter in the history of the cricket will be written. A chapter glorifying the jubilation of victors and portraying the dejection of the trounced. And like previous World Cups, this edition too will witness some moments. Moments that will capture a permanent place in the labyrinth of memory.</p>.<p>Moments that fans will recall with a smile, or with a sigh. As we wait with bated breath for the tournament, let us relive six iconic moments from the earlier World Cups. There will be scope for debate, for argument in favour of other brilliant memories. Memories which have attained immortality, and a place in folklore for generations to come. </p>.<p><strong>1999 Cricket World Cup, South Africa vs Australia second semi-final </strong></p>.<p>It was like poetry in motion, as the fans of the sport gasped in unison. The match, which culminated in the heartbreak for South Africans and exaltation for the Australians. Put into bat in seaming conditions, Australia managed to put up a total of 213, thanks to Michael Bevan and Steve Waugh's half-centuries. South Africa was surging towards the chase with Gary Kirsten and Gibbs leading the onslaught. Then a brief collapse reduced them to 61-4 before Jonty Rhodes and Kallis put up a big partnership to take them 40 runs off the target. It was left to Lance Klusener to provide the final flourish, one which he was doing with aplomb until that fateful final over. At 205/9, South Africa needed nine runs off the legal six deliveries. But they managed to get eight, as Allan Donald was run out in the fourth ball of the over-under dramatic circumstances. "There it is, this will be out surely - oh it's out, it's gonna be run out...oh, that is South Africa out - Donald did not run, I cannot believe it. Australia go into the World Cup Final - ridiculous running with two balls to go. Donald did not go, Klusener came - what a disappointing end for South Africa. What a match for our viewers right around the world cup," Bill Lawry's commentary immortalised a match whose fate swung like a pendulum, with Australia having the last laugh. </p>.<p><strong>Kapil's Devils stunned the world in 1983</strong></p>.<p>It was the rise of the underdogs. As India erupted in joy, the cricketing world saw the birth of a nation that would go on to become a powerhouse in that sport years later. Kapil Dev holding the World Cup trophy heralded a new dawn for the nation, as his team managed to overcome the challenges posed by the mighty and defending champions West Indies. Put into bat, India managed to score only 183. But some resolute bowling and determined fielding, especially Kapil Dev's catch to dismiss Viv Richards saw India restrict West Indies to 140. They did the unthinkable, and it was the last time that the West Indies played in a World Cup final. </p>.<p><strong>Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Jonty</strong></p>.<p>Jonty Rhodes took off and indeed flew like a bird. It was a crucial group stage game between South Africa and Pakistan. Batting first, South Africa racked up 211. Pakistan started steadily, but a brief rain interruption skyrocketed the required run rate to 8.5, with 14 overs remaining. Imran Khan and Inzamam-ul-Haq began a stupendous assault, only to be thwarted by a moment of genius. It was in the 31st over of the match. Imran Khan shouted a big "No'' to Inzamam's attempt of stealing a single off leg bye. Inzamam was halfway down the crease and turned. He saw Jonty Rhodes. </p>.<p>The fielder moved from a deep backward point like flash, like a leopard on the prowl. He took the ball in his hands, and instead of attempting a direct hit, flung himself at the stumps. Inzamam's run out proved to be a game-changing moment as Pakistan eventually lost the match by 20 runs. </p>.<p><strong>The reverse sweep of Mike Gatting</strong></p>.<p>Australia vs England, 1987 World Cup final. A battle between the arch-rivals to clinch their first World Cup trophy as the packed Eden Gardens buzzed with excitement. Winning the toss, Australia decided to bat first and put up a fighting total of 253 in 50 overs. In reply, England was surging towards victory and at 135 /2, it seemed like they would finally manage to lay their hands on the elusive trophy. Until Gatting decided to play 'that shot'. Allan Border brought himself to the attack. On the second ball of the match, Gatting tried to execute a horrendous reverse sweep. The ball flew off the edge, and Australia's wicket-keeper Greg Dyer pouched it safely. A reverse sweep, that dashed the hopes of a nation as Australia won the match and the World Cup by seven runs. </p>.<p><strong>'You just dropped the World Cup'</strong></p>.<p>Herschelle Gibbs has refuted, claiming that Steve Waugh never said it. Steve's own version has always changed with time. Amid the controversy of whether it was actually uttered by the Australian captain or a mere myth, the story and the moment has lived for eternity. It was the final match of the Super Six stage of the World Cup. Australia's progress to the semi-finals hinged on a win. Batting first, South Africa posted a stiff target of 271, with Gibbs notching up a century. Australia in reply was reduced to 48/3 when Steve Waugh walked in. His team was reeling under pressure. When he was on 56, Waugh offered a simple catch to Gibbs at mid-wicket off Klusener's bowling. Gibbs held on to it safely, but only for a few seconds. In a moment of ecstasy, he attempted to hurl the ball in the air, and it slipped from his hands. The umpires adjudged it as a dropped catch, and Steve won the match for Australia by scoring 120 from 110 balls. It was not only a game-changing drop, but it also changed the dynamics of the tournament as Australia would go on to clinch the trophy. </p>.<p><strong>22 runs needed off one ball</strong></p>.<p>South Africa stared at the scoreboard in disbelief. The Duck-Worth Lewis rule was introduced in the 1992 World Cup, to decide rain-affected games. And it proved to be a nightmare for South Africa in their match against England in the semi-final of the 1992 World Cup.</p>.<p>England batted first and scored 252 in their 45 overs as South African bowled slowly. South Africa started well but crumbled in the middle overs until Jonty Rhodes got them back on course. With five overs remaining, they needed 47 to win, and that had been reduced to 22 from 13 balls when the rain, which had been falling for a few minutes, grew heavier. The rain stopped after 12 minutes, but the damage had already been done. Initially, it was announced that the deduction of overs amounted to only one over, but then the real picture surfaced. The players went back to the ground, with South Africa unaware of the fact that the revised target was still 22, and farcically it was from a single ball. As it flashed on the scoreboard, the South Africa team, coupled with the crowd, reacted with surprise and anger. Rain had dashed South Africa's hopes as an embarrassed England team quietly celebrated their victory.</p>
<p>ICC World Cup 2019 is just around the corner. At the end of the marathon mega event, that will start from May 30 and end on July 14, a new chapter in the history of the cricket will be written. A chapter glorifying the jubilation of victors and portraying the dejection of the trounced. And like previous World Cups, this edition too will witness some moments. Moments that will capture a permanent place in the labyrinth of memory.</p>.<p>Moments that fans will recall with a smile, or with a sigh. As we wait with bated breath for the tournament, let us relive six iconic moments from the earlier World Cups. There will be scope for debate, for argument in favour of other brilliant memories. Memories which have attained immortality, and a place in folklore for generations to come. </p>.<p><strong>1999 Cricket World Cup, South Africa vs Australia second semi-final </strong></p>.<p>It was like poetry in motion, as the fans of the sport gasped in unison. The match, which culminated in the heartbreak for South Africans and exaltation for the Australians. Put into bat in seaming conditions, Australia managed to put up a total of 213, thanks to Michael Bevan and Steve Waugh's half-centuries. South Africa was surging towards the chase with Gary Kirsten and Gibbs leading the onslaught. Then a brief collapse reduced them to 61-4 before Jonty Rhodes and Kallis put up a big partnership to take them 40 runs off the target. It was left to Lance Klusener to provide the final flourish, one which he was doing with aplomb until that fateful final over. At 205/9, South Africa needed nine runs off the legal six deliveries. But they managed to get eight, as Allan Donald was run out in the fourth ball of the over-under dramatic circumstances. "There it is, this will be out surely - oh it's out, it's gonna be run out...oh, that is South Africa out - Donald did not run, I cannot believe it. Australia go into the World Cup Final - ridiculous running with two balls to go. Donald did not go, Klusener came - what a disappointing end for South Africa. What a match for our viewers right around the world cup," Bill Lawry's commentary immortalised a match whose fate swung like a pendulum, with Australia having the last laugh. </p>.<p><strong>Kapil's Devils stunned the world in 1983</strong></p>.<p>It was the rise of the underdogs. As India erupted in joy, the cricketing world saw the birth of a nation that would go on to become a powerhouse in that sport years later. Kapil Dev holding the World Cup trophy heralded a new dawn for the nation, as his team managed to overcome the challenges posed by the mighty and defending champions West Indies. Put into bat, India managed to score only 183. But some resolute bowling and determined fielding, especially Kapil Dev's catch to dismiss Viv Richards saw India restrict West Indies to 140. They did the unthinkable, and it was the last time that the West Indies played in a World Cup final. </p>.<p><strong>Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Jonty</strong></p>.<p>Jonty Rhodes took off and indeed flew like a bird. It was a crucial group stage game between South Africa and Pakistan. Batting first, South Africa racked up 211. Pakistan started steadily, but a brief rain interruption skyrocketed the required run rate to 8.5, with 14 overs remaining. Imran Khan and Inzamam-ul-Haq began a stupendous assault, only to be thwarted by a moment of genius. It was in the 31st over of the match. Imran Khan shouted a big "No'' to Inzamam's attempt of stealing a single off leg bye. Inzamam was halfway down the crease and turned. He saw Jonty Rhodes. </p>.<p>The fielder moved from a deep backward point like flash, like a leopard on the prowl. He took the ball in his hands, and instead of attempting a direct hit, flung himself at the stumps. Inzamam's run out proved to be a game-changing moment as Pakistan eventually lost the match by 20 runs. </p>.<p><strong>The reverse sweep of Mike Gatting</strong></p>.<p>Australia vs England, 1987 World Cup final. A battle between the arch-rivals to clinch their first World Cup trophy as the packed Eden Gardens buzzed with excitement. Winning the toss, Australia decided to bat first and put up a fighting total of 253 in 50 overs. In reply, England was surging towards victory and at 135 /2, it seemed like they would finally manage to lay their hands on the elusive trophy. Until Gatting decided to play 'that shot'. Allan Border brought himself to the attack. On the second ball of the match, Gatting tried to execute a horrendous reverse sweep. The ball flew off the edge, and Australia's wicket-keeper Greg Dyer pouched it safely. A reverse sweep, that dashed the hopes of a nation as Australia won the match and the World Cup by seven runs. </p>.<p><strong>'You just dropped the World Cup'</strong></p>.<p>Herschelle Gibbs has refuted, claiming that Steve Waugh never said it. Steve's own version has always changed with time. Amid the controversy of whether it was actually uttered by the Australian captain or a mere myth, the story and the moment has lived for eternity. It was the final match of the Super Six stage of the World Cup. Australia's progress to the semi-finals hinged on a win. Batting first, South Africa posted a stiff target of 271, with Gibbs notching up a century. Australia in reply was reduced to 48/3 when Steve Waugh walked in. His team was reeling under pressure. When he was on 56, Waugh offered a simple catch to Gibbs at mid-wicket off Klusener's bowling. Gibbs held on to it safely, but only for a few seconds. In a moment of ecstasy, he attempted to hurl the ball in the air, and it slipped from his hands. The umpires adjudged it as a dropped catch, and Steve won the match for Australia by scoring 120 from 110 balls. It was not only a game-changing drop, but it also changed the dynamics of the tournament as Australia would go on to clinch the trophy. </p>.<p><strong>22 runs needed off one ball</strong></p>.<p>South Africa stared at the scoreboard in disbelief. The Duck-Worth Lewis rule was introduced in the 1992 World Cup, to decide rain-affected games. And it proved to be a nightmare for South Africa in their match against England in the semi-final of the 1992 World Cup.</p>.<p>England batted first and scored 252 in their 45 overs as South African bowled slowly. South Africa started well but crumbled in the middle overs until Jonty Rhodes got them back on course. With five overs remaining, they needed 47 to win, and that had been reduced to 22 from 13 balls when the rain, which had been falling for a few minutes, grew heavier. The rain stopped after 12 minutes, but the damage had already been done. Initially, it was announced that the deduction of overs amounted to only one over, but then the real picture surfaced. The players went back to the ground, with South Africa unaware of the fact that the revised target was still 22, and farcically it was from a single ball. As it flashed on the scoreboard, the South Africa team, coupled with the crowd, reacted with surprise and anger. Rain had dashed South Africa's hopes as an embarrassed England team quietly celebrated their victory.</p>
