On this day in 1999, Herschelle Gibbs dropped a catch that arguably changed cricket.
Gibbs’ famous yet inexplicable drop of Australia skipper Steve Waugh during their World Cup fixture, meant Australia stayed alive in the tournament and later win the World Cup.
Chasing 272 to win, Steve Waugh came in to bat with his team on 48 for 3. He went on to score a brilliant 120 after being reprieved by Gibbs when he was on 56. Waugh’s innings not only ensured Australia won the match, but put Australia on top of South Africa in the Super Six table.
Four days later, both sides met in the famous tied semi-final which meant Australia went through to the final as they finished above the proteas in the group stage.
Since winning the World Cup in 1999, Australia became a dominant force in world cricket, winning the next two world cups and completing a hat-trick of World Cups.
“How does it feel to drop the World Cup, Herschelle?” That’s what Steve Waugh supposedly told Herschelle Gibbs on this day.
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— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 13, 2021