Crumbling at the crunch
One-day finals that were no-contests
Andrew McGlashan and Will Luke
06-Nov-2008
When it came to the big game of the Stanford week England failed to deliver in spectacular style, and the Superstars romped home by ten wickets. Was it the pressure, or did England just have a bad day? It's hard to say, but it isn't the first time a big one-day game has been less than a tight contest. Cricinfo looks at 11 one-day finals that were a bit of a walkover.
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India v Pakistan, B&H World Championship, 1984-85
With the success of World Series Cricket, Australia quickly cottoned on to the value of one-day tournaments and by the mid-80s the season would include at least one, and sometimes two, events. The home side weren't the powerhouse they would become and didn't make it to this final, which was instead a mouth-watering clash between India and Pakistan. But for all the anticipation, the contest never quite lived up to the billing. Kapil Dev knocked off the Pakistan top order, doing wonders for India's cause but condemning the innings to a slow recovery. India knew they didn't have to try too hard in the chase, and Ravi Shastri and Kris Srikkanth opened with 103 to ease the path to victory.
With the success of World Series Cricket, Australia quickly cottoned on to the value of one-day tournaments and by the mid-80s the season would include at least one, and sometimes two, events. The home side weren't the powerhouse they would become and didn't make it to this final, which was instead a mouth-watering clash between India and Pakistan. But for all the anticipation, the contest never quite lived up to the billing. Kapil Dev knocked off the Pakistan top order, doing wonders for India's cause but condemning the innings to a slow recovery. India knew they didn't have to try too hard in the chase, and Ravi Shastri and Kris Srikkanth opened with 103 to ease the path to victory.
Australia v New Zealand, Rothmans final, 1989-90
New Zealand often save their best for Australia, but not on this occasion. The visitors' attack hardly looked like worldbeaters, but they were more than enough for the New Zealand line-up. Carl Rackemann was the pick, while Greg Campbell also collected three. The only resistance came from a familiar source: Richard Hadlee hit 79 off 92 balls after coming in at 33 for 5. Hadlee, though, couldn't make the required inroads with the new ball to give New Zealand any hope. Dean Jones, with an unbeaten 102, made sure Australia had more than ten overs to spare when they reached the target.
New Zealand often save their best for Australia, but not on this occasion. The visitors' attack hardly looked like worldbeaters, but they were more than enough for the New Zealand line-up. Carl Rackemann was the pick, while Greg Campbell also collected three. The only resistance came from a familiar source: Richard Hadlee hit 79 off 92 balls after coming in at 33 for 5. Hadlee, though, couldn't make the required inroads with the new ball to give New Zealand any hope. Dean Jones, with an unbeaten 102, made sure Australia had more than ten overs to spare when they reached the target.
South Africa v Pakistan, Standard Bank Series, 1997-98
South Africa were at one of their peaks as a one-day side, packed with explosive allrounders who could change a game. In theory so too were Pakistan, but at Newlands only one set of cricketers turned on the style. The match had been delayed a day by bad weather and South Africa's quicks made the most of the helpful conditions. Lance Klusener stole the show, ripping out the middle order with 5 for 25 as Pakistan crumbled for 114 in 37 overs. South Africa's top order had no such problems and coasted to their target with more than 22 overs to spare on the back of a composed half-century from Gary Kirsten.
South Africa were at one of their peaks as a one-day side, packed with explosive allrounders who could change a game. In theory so too were Pakistan, but at Newlands only one set of cricketers turned on the style. The match had been delayed a day by bad weather and South Africa's quicks made the most of the helpful conditions. Lance Klusener stole the show, ripping out the middle order with 5 for 25 as Pakistan crumbled for 114 in 37 overs. South Africa's top order had no such problems and coasted to their target with more than 22 overs to spare on the back of a composed half-century from Gary Kirsten.
India v Pakistan, Coca-Cola Cup, 1998-99
One-day tournaments were becoming two-a-penny around the world (although Sharjah's future would soon be plunged into doubt by match-fixing), which made it hard to remember who was playing who. This final, despite being between huge rivals, was certainly a forgettable affair. The tone was set in the opening over when Wasim Akram removed Sadagoppan Ramesh and Rahul Dravid with his first four balls, and India never recovered. Sourav Ganguly managed a painful half-century, but 125 was never going to be enough. Pakistan's batsmen ticked over to their target at a leisurely pace, although interested had waned long before the winning run.
One-day tournaments were becoming two-a-penny around the world (although Sharjah's future would soon be plunged into doubt by match-fixing), which made it hard to remember who was playing who. This final, despite being between huge rivals, was certainly a forgettable affair. The tone was set in the opening over when Wasim Akram removed Sadagoppan Ramesh and Rahul Dravid with his first four balls, and India never recovered. Sourav Ganguly managed a painful half-century, but 125 was never going to be enough. Pakistan's batsmen ticked over to their target at a leisurely pace, although interested had waned long before the winning run.
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Australia v Pakistan, 1999 World Cup
It had the makings of a classic final; the mercurial talents of Pakistan against the strength of Australia, who left it to the last minute to peak and earned their place in the final with that tie against South Africa. Sadly the game fell flat as Pakistan were shot out for 132 in 39 overs. Glenn McGrath began the slide, thanks to a stunning catch at second slip by Mark Waugh, before Shane Warne produced a Man-of-the-Match performance by taking four wickets. His ball to remove Ijaz Ahmed was one for the memory bank, as Wisden reported: "The ball pitched on or just outside leg and hit off. It was not quite the famous Gatting ball, nor even the one that dismissed Gibbs in the semi-final, but it sent shockwaves through the lower order." Australia didn't take the cautious approach to the target, flaying boundaries at will and racing home off the first ball of the 21st over. The match hadn't even lasted two-thirds of the allotted 100 overs.
It had the makings of a classic final; the mercurial talents of Pakistan against the strength of Australia, who left it to the last minute to peak and earned their place in the final with that tie against South Africa. Sadly the game fell flat as Pakistan were shot out for 132 in 39 overs. Glenn McGrath began the slide, thanks to a stunning catch at second slip by Mark Waugh, before Shane Warne produced a Man-of-the-Match performance by taking four wickets. His ball to remove Ijaz Ahmed was one for the memory bank, as Wisden reported: "The ball pitched on or just outside leg and hit off. It was not quite the famous Gatting ball, nor even the one that dismissed Gibbs in the semi-final, but it sent shockwaves through the lower order." Australia didn't take the cautious approach to the target, flaying boundaries at will and racing home off the first ball of the 21st over. The match hadn't even lasted two-thirds of the allotted 100 overs.
India v Sri Lanka, Champions Trophy, 2000
The fifth-largest margin of victory in ODIs; in fact, it is the most comprehensive if records from Associate countries are discounted. The scorecard of Sri Lanka's mutilation sums up the wreckage perfectly: 299 for 5 against 54 all out. Sanath Jayasuriya top-scored with 189 for Sri Lanka (equal second-highest in history), while Robin Singh was India's leading light with 11 from 38 balls. Chasing 300 to win, India batted with slapdash freedom and paid the price. Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly departed within 24 balls of each other, and when Vinod Kambli was brilliantly caught by Jayasuriya at slip, India were on a slippery slope to nowhere. They were 30 for 5 before Muttiah Muralitharan had even begun warming up. He ended India's misery with 3 for 6 from six overs to complete the most emphatic, and memorable, of thrashings.
The fifth-largest margin of victory in ODIs; in fact, it is the most comprehensive if records from Associate countries are discounted. The scorecard of Sri Lanka's mutilation sums up the wreckage perfectly: 299 for 5 against 54 all out. Sanath Jayasuriya top-scored with 189 for Sri Lanka (equal second-highest in history), while Robin Singh was India's leading light with 11 from 38 balls. Chasing 300 to win, India batted with slapdash freedom and paid the price. Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly departed within 24 balls of each other, and when Vinod Kambli was brilliantly caught by Jayasuriya at slip, India were on a slippery slope to nowhere. They were 30 for 5 before Muttiah Muralitharan had even begun warming up. He ended India's misery with 3 for 6 from six overs to complete the most emphatic, and memorable, of thrashings.
Australia v Pakistan, NatWest Series 2001
Pakistan had played with such spirit throughout the tournament that even their most cynical supporters must have expected them to turn up to the final. As ever, the wrong Pakistan rolled sleepily out of bed, and were rudely given the cold flannel by Australia, in great similarity to the 1999 World Cup. Like then, Pakistan won the toss; as then, they batted under sunny skies. And as happened two years before on the same ground, their batsmen lacked any sort of determination on a pitch that promised riches for those who wanted them. Only Inzamam-ul-Haq looked certain at the crease, and was perhaps unfairly given out leg-before to Shane Warne. Adam Gilchrist raced to 76 from 93 balls as Australia knocked off the 153 in under 27 overs.
Pakistan had played with such spirit throughout the tournament that even their most cynical supporters must have expected them to turn up to the final. As ever, the wrong Pakistan rolled sleepily out of bed, and were rudely given the cold flannel by Australia, in great similarity to the 1999 World Cup. Like then, Pakistan won the toss; as then, they batted under sunny skies. And as happened two years before on the same ground, their batsmen lacked any sort of determination on a pitch that promised riches for those who wanted them. Only Inzamam-ul-Haq looked certain at the crease, and was perhaps unfairly given out leg-before to Shane Warne. Adam Gilchrist raced to 76 from 93 balls as Australia knocked off the 153 in under 27 overs.
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Australia v India, 2003 World
Cup final
India's players had plenty of experience, but none of them had played in final of such magnitude. It showed. Australia, fearless and cocky, were led by an impish and determined Ricky Ponting, still desperate to prove himself as captain and escape Steve Waugh's shadow. Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden dampened India's hopes with a breathless opening stand of 105 inside 14 overs before Ponting took charge in a brilliant 140. Australia powered their way to 359 for 2, the highest-ever total in a World Cup final, and India never stood a chance after the early loss of Sachin Tendulkar. Virender Sehwag gave them hope with a rambunctious 82 from 81 balls - the rain hung temptingly in the air, too - but Australia had their eyes fixed on the trophy from the outset. India were rolled for a disappointingly weak 234.
India's players had plenty of experience, but none of them had played in final of such magnitude. It showed. Australia, fearless and cocky, were led by an impish and determined Ricky Ponting, still desperate to prove himself as captain and escape Steve Waugh's shadow. Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden dampened India's hopes with a breathless opening stand of 105 inside 14 overs before Ponting took charge in a brilliant 140. Australia powered their way to 359 for 2, the highest-ever total in a World Cup final, and India never stood a chance after the early loss of Sachin Tendulkar. Virender Sehwag gave them hope with a rambunctious 82 from 81 balls - the rain hung temptingly in the air, too - but Australia had their eyes fixed on the trophy from the outset. India were rolled for a disappointingly weak 234.
England v South Africa, 2003 NatWest Series
Michael Vaughan's first statement in England's crushing win was to put South Africa in to bat. The tourists weren't on the ball from the start, as Darren Gough picked up 2 for 9 from his ten overs. South Africa's leading batsman, Jacques Kallis - who had smacked two centuries and a fifty in the preceding games - was unfocussed, as his father was desperately ill. His dismissal for nought sent a shockwave through the batting line-up and South Africa were all out for 107 - their lowest total against England. Vikram Solanki's class-laden 50 sealed a cakewalk.
Michael Vaughan's first statement in England's crushing win was to put South Africa in to bat. The tourists weren't on the ball from the start, as Darren Gough picked up 2 for 9 from his ten overs. South Africa's leading batsman, Jacques Kallis - who had smacked two centuries and a fifty in the preceding games - was unfocussed, as his father was desperately ill. His dismissal for nought sent a shockwave through the batting line-up and South Africa were all out for 107 - their lowest total against England. Vikram Solanki's class-laden 50 sealed a cakewalk.
Sri Lanka v Pakistan, Paktel Cup, 2004-05
The previous match in the tournament had been an exciting, high-scoring encounter that produced nearly 600 runs. The final didn't conjure up quite such value for money, as Pakistan once again failed to bring their best form to a big match. "For the third time in seven weeks… Pakistan fluffed their lines on the big occasion after looking impressive in the build-up," said Wisden. A consistent batting performance from Sri Lanka built a strong total of 287, but Pakistan had chased more during the qualifying phase. This time, though, the pressure was greater. From 85 for 1 they crashed to 168 all out, with Sanath Jayasuriya hurrying through the lower order, taking five wickets.
The previous match in the tournament had been an exciting, high-scoring encounter that produced nearly 600 runs. The final didn't conjure up quite such value for money, as Pakistan once again failed to bring their best form to a big match. "For the third time in seven weeks… Pakistan fluffed their lines on the big occasion after looking impressive in the build-up," said Wisden. A consistent batting performance from Sri Lanka built a strong total of 287, but Pakistan had chased more during the qualifying phase. This time, though, the pressure was greater. From 85 for 1 they crashed to 168 all out, with Sanath Jayasuriya hurrying through the lower order, taking five wickets.
Australia v West Indies, 2006 Champions Trophy
Chris Gayle's unbeaten 133 in West Indies' semi-final against South Africa gave hope that the final, against Australia, would be an electric battle, rekindling memories of those of old. Briefly, it was hoped, the West Indian malaise would be averted, but instead they produced an insipid performance with the bat. Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul propelled them to 49 in 5.1 overs, but that was West Indies' peak. Nathan Bracken took 3 for 22 - including Gayle, with a brilliant delivery - as West Indies' last nine wickets fell for 89, leaving Australia to chase a paltry 116 from 35 overs once Duckworth-Lewis had tinkered. Damien Martyn ended a fine tournament with an unbeaten 47, while Shane Watson stroked 57. West Indies, when it really mattered, bottled it.
Chris Gayle's unbeaten 133 in West Indies' semi-final against South Africa gave hope that the final, against Australia, would be an electric battle, rekindling memories of those of old. Briefly, it was hoped, the West Indian malaise would be averted, but instead they produced an insipid performance with the bat. Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul propelled them to 49 in 5.1 overs, but that was West Indies' peak. Nathan Bracken took 3 for 22 - including Gayle, with a brilliant delivery - as West Indies' last nine wickets fell for 89, leaving Australia to chase a paltry 116 from 35 overs once Duckworth-Lewis had tinkered. Damien Martyn ended a fine tournament with an unbeaten 47, while Shane Watson stroked 57. West Indies, when it really mattered, bottled it.
Andrew McGlashan and Will Luke are staff writers at Cricinfo