World Cup Memories: Old Trafford in 1999
The home of Lancashire County Cricket Club played host to games in the 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999 World Cups and will be the busiest venue at next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 – with six fixtures taking place at the ground.
To mark Lancashire Day, we decided to roll the clocks back 19 years and relive the games that took place at Old Trafford during the 1999 World Cup.
**Australia v Windies (30 May 1999)**Australia won by 6 wickets
Australia booked their spot in the Super Six stage of the 1999 Cricket World Cup by comfortably seeing off the Windies at Old Trafford.
Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Australia's decision was vindicated as they skittled the Windies for just 110, thanks to a stunning 5/14 from Glenn McGrath.
Nine of West Indies' batsmen fell for less than ten, as McGrath claimed the best figures for an Australian in an ODI against the Windies.
Australia completed their chase in 40.4 overs for the loss of four wickets to secure their spot in the next stage of the tournament, while the West Indies missed out on net run rate.
**India v Pakistan (8 June 1999)**India won by 47 runs
Old Trafford was host to one of world cricket's biggest games in 1999, as fierce rivals India and Pakistan met in the Super Six stage of the tournament, both aiming to get their first win in the group.
While Pakistan ended up making it to the Final – losing out to Australia at Lord's – it was India who claimed bragging rights in this clash, in what turned out to be their only win of the Super Six stage.
Venkatesh Prasad was the hero for India, with his five-for – which included the big wickets of Saeed Anwar, Saleem Malik and Inzamam-ul-Haq – helping bowl Pakistan out for just 180 in their chase of India's 227/6.
Rahul Dravid top-scored for India with 61, ably supported by Mohammad Azharuddin (59) and Sachin Tendulkar, who opened the innings with 45.
**Pakistan v New Zealand (16 June 1999)**Pakistan won by nine wickets
A batting masterclass from openers Saeed Anwar and Wajahatullah Wasti helped Pakistan reach the Final of the 1999 Cricket World Cup.
Meeting New Zealand at Old Trafford with a place in the Final at Lord's up for grabs, Pakistan highlighted why they were one of the favourites to lift the trophy, defeating the Black Caps by nine wickets.
Shoaib Akhtar – who was named man of the match despite Anwar's heroics with the bat – took three wickets and showcased his breath-taking pace as New Zealand were restricted to 241/7.
In came Pakistan's openers Anwar and Wasti, playing beautifully to score 113* and 84 respectively, frustrating New Zealand's bowlers and making the buoyant Pakistan fans at Old Trafford extremely happy in the process.