World Cup History: Five rain-affected matches that changed the course of the tournaments

#3 South Africa vs Sri Lanka - 2003, Durban, Group stage

SL - 268/9 (50.0), SA - 229/9 (45.0, target - 230)

Match tied as per D/L

SA was heart-broken as it crashed out of the 2003 WC in front of the home crowd

One of the many heart-breaking and unfortunate moments in the lamentable South African cricket history at the ICC tournaments came in 2003 against Sri Lanka when a horrific miscalculation and rain interruption lead to proteas being thrashed out of the World Cup.

Chasing 269 in their do-or-die group stage encounter, the South African batsmen were aware of the fact that a storm is brewing nearby. As the drizzles started with SA needing 46 off 32, Mark Boucher smacked Muttiah Muralitharan for a six getting the total to 229.

The D/L par score read 229 and crowd along with the SA players incorrectly interpreted it as the winning score - which is actually at least a run more than the par score. Boucher pushed the next ball it to mid-wicket for no run assuming that the job was done.

Unfortunately, the rain turned heavy and no further play was possible resulting in a tie and a cringe-worthy exit for South Africa.