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Stephen Rodger Waugh, the belligerent Australian captain, put the South African attack to the sword and led his team's charge to the semifinal of 1999 World Cup. The 34-year-old skipper of the sinking Australian schooner, dropped at 56, steered his boat successfully through rough waters without batting an eyelid. This was one of his finest hours as captain of a team that has come under criticism in recent times for not performing to its full potential under his leadership.

Australia's precarious passage to the Super Six belied all expectations about this highly competent outfit. They did not carry with them any points from the first round matches and that made their task enormously difficult. They had to win all three of the Super Six matches, two of them against India and their traditional rivals South Africa. This was a fight unto finish for them because if they did not win they would start their journey back home. Alistair Douglas Ross Campbell, the Zimbabwean captain, was waiting in the wings with his heart in his mouth for a South African win to take them to the semis. But that was no concern for Steve Waugh. Dave Houghton, their coach was, of course, more practical as he did not expect others to carry them into the semifinal.

South Africa put all their efforts for a win in this match but Jacques Kallis' absence was pronounced. Niki Boje was no substitute for the top all-rounder of the game. All the good work done by Gibbs, Kirsten and Cullinan almost went astray by indiscreet shots from Cullinan himself and soon after by Cronje. That led to the rearguard action by Jonty Rhodes and invariably Lance Klusener. The final total on this bouncy Headingley wicket on a grey day had appeared comfortably dependable until Steve Waugh appeared at the crease.

Disaster looked straight into the face of Australia as Mark, Adam and Damien departed in quick succession. That heralded the arrival of Steve Waugh and he immediately went into action. Desperate situation needs desperate remedy. With Ricky Ponting supporting from the other end the South African attack was torn into shreds. The run rate never went out of control and during the last six overs of a ball-a-run ratio Bevan and Moody extended their helping hands. The Aussies coasted with two deliveries to spare.

This was a thrilling finish to an important match, especially for the victors; the vanquished will, however, have to play the same opponent in the semifinal on Thursday at Edgbaston and they will have a chance of getting even. Young Herschelle Gibbs have reasons to be happy for his superb one-day ton and so has Cronje for the much-needed stability at the top of the batting. Cullinan won his battle against Warne but as always the bowler had the last laugh.

Thursday's match between these two teams should turn out to be equally absorbing and tomorrow's semifinal between Pakistan and New Zealand can spring a surprise or two now that the Kiwis have made it from nowhere will definitely try to prove a point or two in their favour.