In the 1999 Cricket World Cup, Allan Donald’s run out became emblematic of South Africa’s heartbreak. In a nail-biting semifinal against Australia, with just one run needed to win, confusion ensued between Donald and Lance Klusener. As the tension peaked, Donald found himself stranded mid-pitch, resulting in a run-out that ended South Africa’s dream. The match ended in a tie, but Australia advanced to the final due to a superior net run rate, leaving Donald and South Africa shattered.
Source:-montitudeContrastingly, the 2019 Cricket World Cup witnessed MS Dhoni’s run out shaping the destiny of India. In the semifinal against New Zealand, chasing a modest target, Dhoni’s experience and composure were crucial. However, a direct hit from Martin Guptill caught him short of the crease in the penultimate over, dashing India’s hopes. The precision of that run-out proved decisive, catapulting New Zealand into the final and leaving Indian fans with a sense of what might have been.Source:- the India expressTwo run-outs, two World Cup semifinals, and the stark contrast in outcomes showcase the fine margins that cricket hinges upon. Allan Donald’s misfortune in 1999 and MS Dhoni’s fate in 2019 not only altered the course of those specific matches but also left an indelible mark on the narrative of their respective World Cup campaigns. Such instances epitomize the unforgiving nature of knockout cricket, where a single moment can define the trajectory of a team’s journey in the tournament
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