Allan Donald: the demons of 1999

It's the game that still defines South Africa's Cricket World Cup experience: the 1999 semifinal defeat to Australia, and that infamous run-out.

[@samiwahid]

The world remembers you for your fast bowling, swinging Yorkers and final overs spell. Not for the 1999 run out. Respect !!!

[@sibghatmansoor5125]

Nice try.

[@valueinvestor77]

I remember him for his great bowling, but most of all I remember him for that run out.

[@NxDoyle]

No, I remember AD for that day. But I think it's not all AD's fault. Lance could have easily let it go as a dot ball.

[@francoisvanwyk8361]

What few people realise (I only realised it myself by watching the highlights reluctantly later on) is just the ball before, Donald was almost run out at the bowler's end(if it hit he was out)- therefore not solely Donald's fault, if at all

[@jameswrappner4624]

He was a bowler?? 😂

[@pranavmadhav979]

i was 9 years old and boy i cried when allan Donald missed that run ! 20 years later it still hurts!

[@sathyasharvan]

Actually i wasn't his fault after all. Lance couldve made a proper communication before running

[@iyerzzzzz]

Did India lose?

[@EnglishEmpowermentConsultancy]

The same here! As an 89 born, I moved into tears on that day(it must be around 11:30 PM). Since, India was out of super six, I vehemently supported SA. This runout had totally churned South African cricket in the subsequent years. Had if SA clinched the WorldCup, then I don't think Hansis Cronje would have been involved in the betting affairs. Even after 21 years, it still hurts.

[@kishormewati8300]

Same bro.... Heart broken match..... 1999WC ...Africa was my Favorite team that time.... It was Dream Team...that time Mr. Cool Captain.. Hansi, Gibbs, Donald and klusnar my favorite

[@sheikhmuhammadahsen3211]

Same here

[@kuttacom]

I can still see the pain in his eyes. Lance Klusner was the hero of that WC. Felt really bad for him.

[@ZeeshanAnsari-hy5zg]

His mistake to run

[@avharish5876]

There was no run. Both sides batsman could have got out.The truth is klusener became desperate since previous ball was dot ball.Donald has 0% fault on his side

[@dude9318]

Ok i think it was both batsmen's fault .They didn't communicate with each other.But mistakes happen .It happnes to all of us .

[@francoisvanwyk8361]

@@avharish5876 indeed- few people realise Donald was almost run out previous ball at bowler's end (had it hit he was out)

[@azeemsharieff4339]

Klusner mistake to run the ball is near then 2 balls is left so why urgent Donald is not fault.

[@Techtips200]

Not just as a South African,we Indian's were also sad that day because it was the best team in that world cup

[@thf3038]

No chance. They were good but easily second best. Don't forget, they lost to zimbabwe, and klusner got player of the tournament for saving them so many times. If they were that good, they wouldn't have had to rely on klusner so much. Also, if they were good enough, Donald wouldn't have needed to bat.

[@Vpr2255]

​@@thf3038Favourite Team, also predicted team coz they won champions trophy 1998

[@Userbjjjnughj]

​​@@thf3038First point is wrong. Second point is right. Bcoz in that world cup all the mighty teams (top on the point table faced bitter loss with weak teams Ex: Aus, Pak, Nz)

[@praveenkv6746]

​@@thf3038South africa was the best team in that world cup until the semifinal

[@praveenkv6746]

​@@thf3038Australia lost to New Zealand and Pakistan in the group matches. So, many predictors thought they will not win that world cup

[@cwcarson]

I was in the "Allan didn't run" camp but now looking back they still had 2 balls to win the match.

[@Tejasisphoenix]

There was no run ..even if Allen would HV run he would HV been run out at other end or klusner would HV been run at at non striker end ...no run ...klusner after having done everything just panicked

[@ChumpyChicken2]

As a Aussie! Thank you for the great contest with Australia over the years and your Career! Much respect 🇦🇺 🇿🇦

[@orkavorn]

Donald has nothing to feel bad about, Klusener had no business running: there was never a single there and they still had a couple of deliveries left.

[@Dopaaamine27]

Well next ball he could have got bowled. Then everyone would have said why not run on the previous delivery.

[@jaijanasena257]

@@Dopaaamine27 who knows.. It would gone to Six also... But it was risky run.. He couldn't that

[@avharish5876]

@@Dopaaamine27 There was no run. Both sides batsman could have got out.The truth is klusener became desperate since previous ball was dot ball.Donald has 0% fault on his side

[@sagarsaxena6318]

Klusener was running towards the danger end,Donald had to just respond and make a dash. He may have gotten out still though.

[@dhonisir777]

@@sagarsaxena6318 No because the throw was slow to gilchrist so donald would ve got home

[@Adam-ui4ef]

If South Africa had won, I imagine Paul Reiffel would carry the regret Donald carries, given Reiffel dropped two catches with one dropped catch knocked on for a 6.

[@nitlover8319]

Not that much though as Australia have won 5 WCs whereas SA haven't

[@crashpal]

@@nitlover8319 hence the "choker" tag

[@pratneo]

Don't think so.... Australia have won plenty whereas South Africa still without a single cup

[@JewelRocks123]

@@nitlover8319 Things may have been different if they'd lost that match

[@dhaanushl6465]

@@JewelRocks123 South Africa are yet to reach World Cup Final

[@Averifiedperson7712]

1999- beautiful. He just knew the question he was gonna be asked and he wanted to avoid it

[@dl7169]

Hats of the Steve Waugh and Glen McGrath.

[@herdsmanarcturus2423]

There are two moments as a cricket fan when I found myself heartbroken. First is this one, where I agree with Allan that South Africa was a far better team than Australia and Pakistan and deserved to be the World Champion. The second was the 2019 WC final, where like millions I also believe that NZ shouldn't have lost the game.

[@dhonisir777]

India shouldve won 😓

[@inzamam4611]

NZ did nothing that whole World Cup they beat minnows and Lost to every Big team

[@traveldiaries2912]

@@inzamam4611 big Luke pak

[@BTC295]

The world remembers you for the legend you are, AD. You were a terror for batsmen then, and forever gentleman off the field.

[@interestedbystander196]

It's not as cut and dried as saying it was AD's fault. The previous ball, Donald was within an inch or two of being run out (by Lehman), so when the ball came back at him on the next delivery, he _had_ to turn to make his ground. His back was to Klusener as he was turning, so he had no idea that Klusener was running. On the other hand, Klusener didn't have to try and run that, as there were two balls left after that. Klusener was definitely in rich form, and he could have scored off either ball. Equally, he could have been out. None of us commenting here have the faintest clue of the amount of pressure those guys were under in that moment. To lay blame is not a very classy thing to do. It was just one of the all time cricket moments. And that's that.

[@hossainmdadnan]

Well said! Thats the truth..

[@francoisvanwyk8361]

Exactly- I saw the same thing (the almost run out the previous ball) by chance and reluctantly just a few years ago (and I was quite shocked and amazed)

[@Tejasisphoenix]

There was no run ..

[@SachinKumar-iw4df]

You were the best fast bowler at that time in my opinion. Love you

[@meherricky7713]

Most painful run outs in cricket history. Guptil run out in superover of 2019 world Cup final against England. Dhoni runout in 2019 world Cup semi's against kiwis Allen Donald runout in 1999 worldcup semi's against Aus.

[@sirayazedu]

Allan donald was one of the best fast bowler south africa ever had. 1999 classical semi final between south africa vs australia. All the players did their best. V can't criticize nor give credit to any single player for that outcome. Love from Pakistan

[@sudhanshumitra1989]

Brilliantly said...

[@Jejjejdjskka.]

Lance Klusner is my favourite still

[@nelsonjohngnanadoss1084]

MAYANK PANDIT me to bro

[@piratesking5636]

He's Mr Dependable!!! He Xtra ordinary in that world cup 1999::

[@Jejjejdjskka.]

I was crying when Africa did not win tha semi final Vs Australia 1999

[@raman7186]

What about 1992

[@antw4065]

To be fair to him, that was never a run and Klusener made the call. The ball thrown in by the fielder missed the stumps by inches but if it had hit then Klusener would have been out by about 3 metres.

[@zingzangspillip1]

You are so right. If Allan is telling the truth and he told Klusener not to run, he really can't take too much blame. There were still two balls to go as well!

[@Rumpole1000]

Australian here. I've probably watched this 100 times and can't fgiure out why Alan Donald is the fall guy. There was never a run there and it was a terrible call by Klusener.

[@OfentseMwaseFilms]

I was 12 when this happened. What a pain. I was even playing cricket at school at that time. The nostalgia I’m feeling right now is golden💯 We always joked that Klusner screamed “Gijima Donald”😂

[@StuTheDon17]

I was 13 years old watching the game at about 2 in the morning in Western Australia. What a game. The now late Shane Warne turned the game on its head with 3 huge wickets in no time. As has been mentioned in the comment section, Donald shouldn't take the blame. Klusener should have either waited for Donald's call or looked at the man before committing for the quick single. Klusener would have won the game the next ball if he was patient enough

[@tilakshenoy8440]

South Africa and New Zealand are two teams that deserve a World Cup.. Best way to fix the current SA team is to select team on merit basis rather than race.. they’ll be back to their glory days and definitely win either of the next 3-4 World Cups.. NZ needs to learn from their defeats and mentally hold themselves up to win a final..

[@mrcfan4619]

Nz won wtc

[@usmanajmal86]

You are legend of cricket Allan Donald respect from Pakistan

[@MalleshDeshmukh]

Its memorable for us I know its like nightmare but still and always respect and love to Allan Donald Sir.........

[@Nazeem_6621]

He is not knighted buddy.

[@TheCory42]

A wonderful fast bowler and an even better man! we loved Allan here in Australia

[@Adam-ui4ef]

This South Africa team was on fire and had all the momentum. If was their tournament to lose. Even when you consider Australia had Warne, McGrath, the Waugh brothers and a young Ponting & Gilchrist.

[@SLC2283]

As an Australian, I don't think Donald's legacy is tarnished by this event. Donald was an incredible bowler that day (four wickets) and throughout his career (look it up, his stats are awesome). It's a shame he carries the burden for this, as he did his job that day with the ball and his batsmen should have done theirs well enough that he didn't need to put the pads on.

[@hariharanvenkataramani7311]

Yeah Donald you weren't South Africa's favorite sons then (or later or before) - coz you were even better - you are one of world cricket's favorite sons ever! Sport can be tough with those kinds of heart stopping finishes which are beautiful yet cruel for the team that loses cliffhangers like that. But Donald you made cricket better always. Mad respect for your skill and love for the game and that magnificent pure action and menacing glares! You made some of the great memories for cricket fans of the 90s.

[@sau5700]

It was the best ODI match ever played.... thank you Donald for all the memories

[@iammodestykazi6914]

South Africa is the best side to have been eluded of the World Cup so far. They have always been formidable since 1992. 1992 ... DL screwed them 1996 ... Lara masterclass in QF 1999 ... Classic Tied Match, poor points system 2003 ... DL comes back to haunt again 2007 ... Semi-Final loss to AUS 2011 ... Lost chasing paltry 221 vs Kiwis 2015 ... Grant Elliott brilliance 2019 ... Worst performance. Won 3/9 matches to finish 7 in league table

[@RIOBTN]

For 1999 I do agree on the poor points system especially super six. No team should've been carrying over points, the points should've started at 0.

[@iammodestykazi6914]

@@RIOBTN yeah ... and that ridiculous format was also implemented in 2003 WC which deprived other nations of the Semi-Final spot with KEN making it by defeating SRL (who also qualified) and a few forfeited games, at the expense of other better teams like NZL only to be thrashed by IND in the Semi-Final.

[@RIOBTN]

@@iammodestykazi6914 exactly plus for me the 2003 WC was poorly scheduled. If it was scheduled properly then we wouldn't have had forfeiture and that foolish points system in the super six.

[@harshmohanbadola]

WATCHED LIVE THIS EPIC MATCH IN 1999.THIS WAS A WROST DAY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN CRICKET. THIS IS GAME BUT UNFORTUNATELY THAT TIME MEDIA MADE ALAN DONALD A CLEAN VILLIAN....

[@Jewel193]

Klusener wanted to run a cheeky single, which was unnecessary, when there was one more ball left.

[@AKEPL_MUMBAI]

Great guy, very humble gentleman (Donald).

[@Noobmaster-wc5rr]

I think what people miss is that Donald almost got run out the previous ball, so he was being cautious. I don’t know if the pair actually spoke about taking a risky single before the ball but regardless, this was a heartbreaking and unfortunate thing. Both Klusner and Donald are champions and the SA side in 1999 World Cup was one of the most dangerous side ever, and nothing can change that. Doesn’t matter what the records say, people just know it!

[@valueinvestor77]

I have never yelled in so much joy at about 3am at Coolum Beach. Sorry Saffers.

[@saqibnawaz5139]

It's life Mr Donald da max u can accomplish wilb 99 things every body miss at least one dere is no exception to dis rule but we fans really salute ur unparalleled vry honest beautiful bowling for great kntry of South Africa u made it a force to wreckon wid from its inception at global stage after ban was lifted vry Great efforts by legend of Allan Donald

[@jamesmingo1028]

White Lightning - ultimate bowling hero!!!!

[@abhaynaik4]

Donald bhai namaste 🙏❤️ You are always our hero ... 1999 I felt very bad that SA didn qualified for finals. But at the end of the Day it's jus game... I have seen this live match. Felt very upset. But you are always iconic fast bowler .I liked your bowling style especially when ball is released with left leg lands on screez simalteniously ...I loved it ❤️🧡

[@Gauthamkumarshriyan]

I was 12 Then. It still hurts whenever i watching.

[@fusionnabha]

Cricket is a cruel game.. It was worst nightmare for us also.. Love from India for Alen Donald ❤

[@jamalabbasi3522]

When we talked about Waseem and Waqar in Pakistan we always talked about Allan Donald as well in that time, You were right up there then and you are up there still.

[@barenddeysel3786]

AD is still my favourite cricketer of all time.

[@mauhidwaseem9447]

I am very shocked that's run out...but I think lance klusner should wait as couple of deliveries were left...no mistake by alane Donald's

[@firaasahmed1636]

I never blamed Donald for that run out. Klusenar is the one who chocked and bottled it going for an impossible run. Given the form he was in, he should have backed himself to smash the winning runs with 2-3 balls left in the over

[@nitindeshmukh7072]

Actually Donald was not ready otherwise it's a perfect single ...you can see the the throw was not correct ...completly mistake from Allan Donald ...when klusener called for run he must be ready that is his work .....one thing I am surprised both batsman did not have a chat before playing last ball not even discussion horrible

[@francoisvanwyk8361]

@@nitindeshmukh7072 few people realise Donald was almost run out previous ball at bowlers end (had it hit he was out)- not solely Donald's fault

[@kashmonyklik]

Even though I empathise with Allan, anyone who had attended any sort of Cricket coaching would agree that anything front of the wicket is always a batsman’s call and it was Lance who was running towards the danger end. The magnitude of the occasion got on to Allan Donald who instead of looking at the batsman and running was ball watching. One could say, Klusener need not have gone for such a tight single, again the occasion gotten on to him as well. He had 2 more deliveries left and could have avoided such a risky single. A moment of madness and brain freeze caused South Africa the match

[@Lord_Thistlewick_Flanders]

If Allan runs then he leaves Klusener wide open to the run out. Him staying as long as he did was the only thing saving the wicket. They were doomed the moment Klusener decided to run.

[@francoisvanwyk8361]

Maybe but few people realise that Donald was almost run out the previous ball at the bowler's end- had it hit he was out (saw the highlights by chance and somewhat reluctantly a few years ago)

[@Batman-q7m]

it's not easy to be Donald and styen..they going to live with this sad moments in their heart 99 and 2015 both are semi finals

[@nubuild8548]

Its not Donalds Job to go bat. He did his best at bowling. The Batting was the problem. Top order fell apart. Nice comments by Donald. Atleast he did try his best

[@vijayaragavan440891]

I used to immitate u mr Donald , when I was a kid as a fast bowler,, in my mind I believed I bowl very fast like u .. in reality i bowl very slow.. So you were always my bowling hero..

[@atulsingh958]

This made me cry Still etched in my memory.... What a story

[@foreignwarren7361]

What a great story... respect to the Australians.

[@trilojag101]

If he wasn’t such a great bowler and took all those wickets this would’ve defined his career. Happy it didn’t tho and wish South Africa won that still love Allan Donald

[@junii741]

That's fate my mate , as a Pakistani fan , you can imagine what we felt losing that final .I still remember it like yesterday . I was hoping for South Africa Pakistan in the final . I was 12 yrs old . Its just hard man for any sportsperson having to deal with that. It wasn't meant to be. What can we do . Still love watching Donalds old bowling videos , recently watched Alan Donalds 11 favourite fast bowlers on KZbin. Love you man .. you made our childhood awesome . Thank you so much

[@Youdoyouyeah]

Allan Donald was a fearsome bowler. One of the guys I genuinely feared India playing against. The attitude and passion he had... wow! He deserved a WC. Incredible competitor.

[@nirmapolice1546]

I will never forget this match

[@amritsinha8185]

We love you Allan

[@LV-ei1ce]

I remember seeing this, but when I think of Alan Donald, I can only think of your fast bowling and battles with Sachin. Don't let this mistake bring you down, you are a legend mate

[@ramohart]

Allan Donald is still one of my favourite cricketers of all time. I remember that runout to this day. There were tears but I never blamed Allan for that incident.

[@jay4cee]

the part i never knew about was Steve Waugh and Glenn McGrath talking to him in the change rooms after. Great rivals and great sportsmanship.

[@sultanamarziakhanam6277]

I had a dream that night, ICC reconsidered that ball and they made it... It was so true for me that I was again in shock after waking up in the morning

[@MightyRoos]

Yeah can also look at if Paul Reiffel dropped Klusener in previous over or if Lehman had of hit the wicket when Donald was out of crease the previous ball no one would be talking that run out.

[@ayandas3822]

you were the best i went to see your match in 1991 in new delhi as a 10 yrs old kid

[@mosreloaded]

Long forgotten Allen...it happens..to every team. Gr8 to hear the Aussies came to support thats what champs do after something like that.

[@e-karttolle786]

Omg! Much respect

[@84dhanreddy]

Alan Donald was one of the scariest bowlers of that era. And he will be remembered as such forever.

[@abhishektoshniwal8147]

I remember almost entire India was rooting for South Africa and there were two factions of ‘that wasn’t a single’ and ‘Donald didn’t run’. But we started to feel better right after Australia smashed Pakistan in the finals.

[@aggressive9999]

True

[@Nazeem_6621]

Not entire India. I was supporting Australia.

[@AlonsoRules]

It wasn't his fault, Lance went for a run that wasn't there

[@BanTiger]

Only 1 ball left and 1 run needed so what Lance suppose to do!

[@titusrivers7193]

@@BanTiger there were 3 balls left.

[@francoisvanwyk8361]

@@titusrivers7193 yes and few people realise that Donald was almost run out at the bowler's end the previous ball (I saw it by chance only a few years ago and reluctantly watched some highlights

[@AlonsoRules]

South Africa had plenty of time. It was a silly decision by Lance to run there.

[@hunkcoo]

Hey Allan, you were my childhood hero for bowling the furious inswing Yorkers. Love u

[@sarbjeeetsingh1313]

Few months after the world cup they visited India and beat us 2-0 in a 2 test match series with some great fast bowling. Winning a series in India was a big deal as even Pakistan and Australia could not do that in previous years. Donald played a big part in that win. So that semi final should not define his career because he had many other great achievements throughout his career. What a wonderful player he was.

[@Mr.Mathematicien]

1999 semi final and 2019 final ...New Zealand or SA deserve to win this wc 2023

[@debashisbaruah8427]

You were, are and will always be a legend!

[@sheikhmuhammadahsen3211]

I was 9 years old that time and wish to have pak vs sa final...... South Africa has been my favorite team since I started watching cricket..... I felt so bad when sa lost that game and it still hurts me too

[@mishuccet1]

south africa may have lost the match and world cup chance that time, but they became part of bigger history.....this is the best odi ever in the history of cricket and i don't think there will ever be any better and more interesting odi.......lot of players from both sides performed phenomenally in this match.....i might have missed some names but the ones i remember who performed brilliantly that day were: warne, klusener, pollock, donald

[@_CatalystGuy]

Now in 2023 they will meet again in a world cup semifinal. Best wishes for South Africa.

[@user-gz8nt9rb3z]

This was 100% klusener’s fault. He could see Donald wasn’t moving, but kept charging.

[@sudiptapanda2509]

You are south Africas favourite son.. you was .. you are .. you will be . ❤️

[@sarathpluntura2065]

Still, Alan Donald is one of the best fast bowlers at that time.

[@anupgogoi8620]

You are one of the best SA have produced. Pls never think you not loved for a silly mistake.

[@traveldiaries2912]

I am feeling bad for him, and that crowd

[@arifimran1316]

It's 2022 and still I can't forget that run out

[@nickvegas2459]

Donald probably saved Reiffel from a lynching after he dropped the catch in the previous over. I remember it differently from many of you as this was probably my best cricket memory.

[@sarathbaby2353]

Australia vs South Africa 1999 super six match... In spite of scoring 101 in the first innings Gibbs would always love to forget the match due to his drop catch of Steve Waugh. Similarly, Allan Donald would love to forget this semi final match although he took four wickets in the first innings.

[@shuyiasrafiq6591]

He is correct South Africa that time was very difficult to defeat

[@firozahmad859]

Cricket 🏏 we learn more from that matches

[@TheHighwayDreams]

Glorious day it was.. Go you Aussies

[@getmc]

Donald's grace and humility in relation to this is truly epic. He could so easily (and accurately) have said, "Well it was actually a really bad call by Lance." I don't know how Klusener has dodged the blame on this? If the initial flick of the ball at the stumps at the non-striker's end hadn't have missed the stumps (by a few millimetres) then it would have been Klusener who was run-out, which would have been the just outcome, as it was a 5th grade level of a call for a quick single. He paddled the ball straight back down the pitch, for heaven's sake. He left Donald out to dry. Journalists... please stop asking Allan Donald about this run-out. It's so unfair.

[@KaYnBaE]

Wow! What an emotional interview. It was klusner who had to finish the job not Donald.

[@KaiGaming84]

Was 14 years old...my buddy still called me on the LANDLINE telephone after the match to tell me to tell my mom how disappointed he was...that was the turning point in SA cricket...

[@akashbaburaj2349]

I think south Africa should win at least one world cup during the lifetime of Donald and kluesner .

[@snowman01]

As an Aussie, I always considered Donald the best South African bowler I ever saw. I honestly didn't even remember he was with Klusener during that run out. I do remember him being McGrath-esque in batting technique however so it would be harsh to blame him for a batting mix-up.

[@WSTRNS]

don't be hard on yourself Alan, it was meant to be that way, that's how Australia Cricket's highest legacy started.

[@bishnuprasad6511]

Donald got three wickets along with pullovk 4. That is the reason Australia was restricted to 216/220. So on bowling front Donald had already done a good job. He too was a hero.

[@ankeresmsk8037]

Australia would have had just 4 wcs now if AD ran that day! Woah how much difference running a 24 yard pitch does to cricketing history!

[@kunalpatil4016]

Or only one World Cup for australia 1987.. Coz after that moment till 2011 they were champions.. So would had been history is completely opposite

[@ManishMishra-mv5fp]

All my respects and highest regard to this Great man. I just want to say that you were and will always be venerable for all of us who lived cricket. Might put a knife in your heart thinking of that day but we all love and respect you for your service to the game, SA and all of us.

[@eddiesibiya4185]

I remember this vividly, I was 18 years old and the following day (a Monday) at school, it was as if someone had died...

[@trueman2553]

WC 99 SEMI FINAL AUS vs SA WC19 FINAL ENG vs NZ It has two matches in the cricket world cup , 90% of the cricket lovers of the heart was broke

[@adi..allaboutmusic9882]

Watching this after the kutti stories!!! If someone talks about depression,if someone blames you for their mistakes,if someone complains about how hard their job is and if someone regrets mediocrity , please show them this match!!!

[@markattr834]

I remember Allan as a fierce competitor.

[@MrSandip14]

Klusner was culprit not Alan Donald... Felt so bad that day

[@johnjames7332]

Nice that the Ausies came in to talk to Donald afterwards

[@user-qc9ht7fh5d]

It was such a shockiing loss for SA