England v South Africa 1998

At Birmingham, August 18. South Africa won by 14 runs. International debut: M. Hayward. The South Africans achieved a consolation victory to end their unsuccessful tour, but failed to reach the final of this competition, an outcome that may not have displeased all their weary players: the plane home was an attractive alternative. During the change of innings, England became aware that the contortions of net run-rate meant that their "real" target was 198. Subconciously, at least, they settled for that and resumed their old habits of defeat. South Africa had suprisingly opted to bat on a cloudy morning, thus handing England control of the mathematics. Demob-happy, Cullinan played one of his best innings of the tour - 70 off 73 balls - and received late support from Symcox. Dropped by Hollioake on three, Symcox smashed four sixes in 39 balls. England began with all their new-found confidence, and Knight and Hick put on 113. But with a place in the final assured, their batting again fell away wretchedly.