Here is how rain rule ruined South Africa’s party in 1992 World Cup semi-final

One of the most talked-about moments in cricket history has been South Africa’s arrival on the scene at the 1992 ODI World Cup. Being one of the best teams in the tournament under the leadership of Kepler Wessels, the Proteas quickly became one of the biggest favourites to go all the way in the tournament.

However, just a little bit of rain spoiled the party for the side in the semi-final of the competition against England. At one point in the game, the Proteas only needed 22 runs off 13 deliveries to win the game and make it to the summit clash of the tournament. However, it just took a little bit of rain to spoil their party.

As it was decided that the reduction in target was to be proportionate to the lowest-scoring overs of the side batting first, after the rain stopped, South Africa had to score 21 runs in just one delivery to win the game.

The reduction in target took into account the benefits of chasing, rather than setting the target, which was a major talking point back then.

It is worth noting that a reserve day was set aside for the semis of the World Cup. However, due to the demand of the host broadcasters, Channel Nine, the match had to be completed there and then. As Brian McMillan patted Chris Lewis' last ball for a single, both teams walked off to the pavilion, very disappointed with the result of the game. 

The moment still echoes throughout cricket history as one of the most controversial of its time. If the rain had not played spoilsport, the Proteas could have potentially gone on to win the tournament.

However, the twist of fate saw England progress through to the summit clash where they took on Pakistan, and eventually lost the game as well.