5 of the greatest innings played in the Cricket World Cup

#3. Steve Waugh (120 n.o. vs South Africa, 1999 World Cup)

Steve Waugh in action during the 1999 World Cup

Steve Waugh’s ice-cool temperament and batting skills were on display in a do-or-die super six match against South Africa in a super six match in the 1999 World Cup. Australia needed 272 runs to win the match, and Waugh found able allies in Ricky Ponting and Michael Bevan in a classic run-chase.

Herschelle Gibbs dropped Waugh midway through his innings and Waugh reportedly reminded him that he had dropped the World Cup actually. It was indeed the case, as Australia got the better of the South Africans in the semifinal before going on to clinch the trophy.

Even after Bevan was dismissed, Waugh combined with Tom Moody to finish the job clinically. He hit some glorious on-drives, slog sweeps and cover drives off the bowling of Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, and Steve Elworthy. The whole Australian team gave their captain a standing ovation, as he guided Australia to a memorable victory.