Cronje and the Sordid Saga of Match-fixing

Hansie Cronje's resignation from captaincy after a match-fixing allegation has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. One of the most respected and leader of one of the most professional outfits in cricket, Cronje's removal was hard to believe for many. But Alas conversations on the phone which were quoted on international news channels has proved him guilty.

The way the South Africa performed after being reinstated was admirable. But ever since the 1992 World Cup semi-final where the ridiculous rain rule eliminated them from the Cup they have tended to repeat the same scenario in most other competitions. In the 1996 WC they lost the quarterfinal against who in that WC was performing so badly that even non-playing nations like Kenya beat them. Surprisingly the West Indies straightened the spring books to march into the South Africa.

Then came the 99 WC and gain SA started brilliantly. Their man of crisis was going great guns performing with the bat and the ball. The team was a major contender for the cup but then again a twist of tails and in the last league match against Australia Herschelle Gibbs dropped the most simplest of catches and Steve Waugh took Australia to victory. All was forgotten and the teams faced of in the semi-final and have again SA's bowling performance was commendable. Then came the batting SA got off to a solid start with 52 on the board in 13 overs and with 200 to win. Shane Warne was at the top of his game and had taken four wickets. But Lance Klusener was solid as a rock. The last over was to be bowled by Fleming and SA required 9 runs from 6 balls. Klusener smashed two boundaries of the first two balls and almost ensued victory. Suddenly on the third ball Allen Donald for SA started to go for a single that was never there but fortunately the throw missed the stumps and everyone thought that all's well that ends well.

Two more balls went by and SA required one of the last ball to win and a win was what they needed because a draw would eliminate them. Now everyone in the ground assumed that whatever happened hey would run for it. As it turned out the bowler bowled Klusener hit it past the bowler and ran but what you notice Allan Donald the man at the other end isn't running. What Allan was thinking is beyond everyone. Even this was forgotten and done with by everyone.

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