ICC Champions Trophy: 10 greatest encounters in the history of the tournament, Part 1

#9 South Africa vs West Indies: Colombo (SSC), 2002

Accurate pace bowling by South Africa throughout meant West Indies jostled to 238

In only the second match of the 2002 edition, there was drama galore. South Africa were penalised for slow over rate and had to chase a manageable target in 49 overs. The top scorer for West Indies was Chris Gayle with 49, as the entire top seven failed to convert decent starts. Gayle’s opening partner Shivnarine Chanderpaul struggled with a 98-ball 45 as accurate pace bowling throughout meant West Indies jostled to drag themselves to 238/8.

The Proteas in reply were reduced to 61/3 inside 17 overs, but the chase took off following an 117-run union between Boeta Dippenaar and Jonty Rhodes, as both made half-centuries. But they departed in the same Carl Hooper over, after which Mark Boucher and the bankable finisher Lance Klusener took up the rescue job. Mervyn Dillon removed Boucher and 13 were needed in the final over, which commenced with a six from captain Shaun Pollock.

But Dillon replied with Pollock and Klusener’s wickets. With three required off the last ball, Dillon turned villain as he bowled a wide. Nicky Boje and Alan Dawson ran successfully as well. That reduced the equation to 1 from 1. Off the following delivery, number ten Dawson swung his bat and made contact with the ball which reached the fence. South Africa were thus victorious off the final delivery.