India v South Africa 1999-2000

South Africa won an entertaining game despite struggling to 18 for three in 11 overs. The Indian seam bowlers dominated until Cronje joined Gibbs; together they rallied the innings, adding 78 at almost a run a ball. Crookes helped maintain the recovery after Cronje misread a flighted delivery from Chopra, and South Africa reached 187 before Gibbs was sixth out for a resolute 84. India wrested the initiative back with another wicket three balls later, but a quick-fire 23 from Pollock finished the innings with a flourish. Needing 236, India also faltered early on, losing both openers for 25, before rebuilding. Mannava Prasad, promoted to No. 4, battled both accurate bowling and cramp to keep India in the hunt. And although he was forced to retire at 134 for three, the runs continued to come: with 46 required from seven overs, and five wickets remaining, the game was wide open. Prasad returned, but the close finish never materialised.

Man of the Match: H. H. Gibbs. Man of the Series: R. V. Bharadwaj.