World Cup 2019: 5 Thrilling semifinals in the history of the tournament

After a hard-fought battle between teams, Virat Kohli's India secured the top spot with seven wins in the league stage of the ongoing Cricket World Cup. Australia suffered a shock defeat against an out-of-form South Africa in their last league game which has put them below India in the standings.

As a result of this loss, the defending champions have booked a semifinal date against pre-tournament favorites England. The hosts started off their campaign brilliantly but defeat to Sri Lanka and Australia put their fate in jeopardy for a while. Although England qualified on their own, their inability to chase down targets is an area of concern.

The ever-consistent New Zealand had 11 points from six games and looked to be the first team to reach the knockout stages. But they qualified to the next round as the final team as they lost their last three league matches.

With every team possessing their own strengths and weaknesses, the twin semi-final promises to be an exciting one. On that note, let's look back at five of the most thrilling semi-finals in the history of the tournament.

---

#5 1983: A confident India beat England to qualify for their first ever final

Sandeep Patil's innings helped India win with six overs to spare

In the 1983 World Cup India surprised every team by securing big wins over the much-fancied West Indies and Australia.

Led by their inspirational captain Kapil Dev, they took on hosts England in the semi-finals. The English batsmen struggled and only managed to put on 213 in 60 overs.

Having failed twice in the league stage to successfully chase a score of 200, India was circumspect to start off with.

Yashpal Sharma and Mohinder Amarnath's 92-run partnership took India closer to victory. Sandeep Patil then played a counterattacking knock of 51 runs off 32 balls to take India to their first ever WC final.

Mohinder Amarnath was given the man of the match for his 46 and two wickets. India's final berth is seen as an achievement in itself as they had won only one game in the previous two WCs.

#4 1992: A young Inzamam stunned the world with his fluent stroke play

Inzamam was awarded man of the match for his attacking innings

A lucky Pakistani side took on tournament favorites New Zealand in the semi-finals of the 1992 World Cup. Martin Crowe won the toss and chose to bat first keeping in mind a confusing rain rule. Despite suffering from a hamstring injury, captain Crowe dominated the bowling with an 83-ball 91.

Chasing 263 which was massive in those days and Pakistan was slow in the first half of their run chase. Imran Khan's 93-ball 44 kept increasing the required rate as they could score only 87 in 25 overs. Pakistan's hopes were pinned on Javed Miandad who looked comfortable at the crease.

With 123 needed off 15 overs, a young Inzamam-ul-Haq walked out to bat. Although the right-hander was nervous to start off with, his stroke play amazed the BlackCaps. His footwork was so decisive as New Zealand bowlers couldn't control him. Pakistan romped home with an over to spare.

In hindsight, Crowe's decision to rest his hamstring and let John Wright captain the side was seen as a blunder as only he had known the bowling plans.

#3 1996: When West Indies choked in a run chase against Australia

Warne's spell was the game changer

After a tragic end to the first semi-final at Eden Gardens, the second one produced an exhilarating contest between Australia and West Indies in 1996 World Cup. Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. Curtly Ambrose and Ian Bishop ran through the top order reducing them for 15-4.

Micheal Bevan and Stuart Law resurrected the innings with a 138-run stand. Australia ended up with 207 on board. West Indies looked on course to reach the target as Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brian Lara controlled the chase.

Although Lara was dismissed for 45, captain Richie Richardson continued the good work. Chanderpaul's dismissal instilled panic as West Indies mysteriously promoted Roger Harper and Ottis Gibson in place of Keith Arthurton and Jimmy Adams. Batsmen kept losing wickets as they were bowled out 202 from 165-2.

Australia's never give up attitude won them the game. No one including them couldn't believe that they came out as winners.

#2 2015: A Grant Elliot six silenced the mighty South Africans

Elliot played a stunning knock to take NZ to their first ever final

South Africa and New Zealand - two teams that played the aggressive brand of cricket in the 2015 World Cup faced off in the first semi-final. Faf du Plessis anchored the innings with a measured 82 while AB de Villiers' 45-ball 65 and David Miller's 18-ball 49 took the total to 281 off 43 overs.

A bit of rain revised the D/L target to 298 in 43 overs. Brendon McCullum was at his destructive best as his 26-ball 59 took the total to 71 in six overs. Morne Morkel stole the momentum by picking up the key wickets of McCullum and Kane Williamson.

Fortune again flung towards the BlackCaps as all-rounders Corey Anderson and Grant Elliot mixed caution with aggression to keep the chase alive.

Dale Steyn failed to defend 12 off the last over as Elliot hit a six off the penultimate ball to seal the win for New Zealand.

#1 1999: A tied match which is remembered for ages

The match which earned the unwanted chokers' tag for South Africa

The Australia - South Africa semifinal in the 1999 World Cup is regarded as the greatest ODI ever played. Batting first, Australia was all-out for 213 as Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald combined to pick nine wickets. Bevan (65) and Steve Waugh (56) were the major contributors with the bat.

South Africa had a safe start with 48/0 until Shane Warne came into bowl. His leg-break looped pitched outside leg stump and spun viciously to hit the off-stump to send back Herschelle Gibbs. He picked up two more wickets in five balls to reduce them to 53/3.

Jacques Kallis and Jonty Rhodes brought the Proteas back into the game with a steady partnership. But panic set in as they kept losing wickets while Paul Reiffel palmed a six to give a life for Lance Klusener in the penultimate over.

With nine required off the last over, Klusener smashed two fours in the first balls. Having survived a run-out scare in the third ball, Donald was ball-watching as he failed to take the single.

The match ended in a tie and Australia progressed to the finals by virtue of their win over South Africans in Super Six.