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Lara Power, West Indies win by 3 runs
Posted: Monday, February 10, 2003
Lara was out of touch to start with, but he played himself back into form and then his strokeplay burst over the scene like a firework display. His 116 was his 16th international one-day century, off 134 balls. - Independent/UK
By Tony Cozier, in Capetown, Express/TT
 INSPIRED by an innings of 116 by Brian Lara that immediately reestablished his place among the greats of the modern game, the West Indies revival, so unmistakably initiated in his absence in India three months ago, was confirmed here yesterday before the watching cricket world.
Lara's virtuoso performance in the opening contest of the World Cup, against stunned hosts and second favourites, South Africa, was in his first encounter of any meaning since September 15 when he was stricken by the delibilitating illness that kept him out of the game for four months.
It earned him the Man of the Match award in a remarkable West Indies victory by three runs. But it was only one of the many highlights of a classic encounter.
As an advertisement for the remainder of a tournament previously enmeshed in commercial and political controversy, it was so perfect it could have been scripted by Dr Ali Bacher and his organising committee.
For the 25,000 South Africans packing the Newlands Stadium, waving their flags, cheering their heroes and overwhelming the small group of supporters from the Caribbean and Bermuda, the defeat, however narrow, was a disappointment. But no one could have asked for better entertainment.
To watch a master craftsmen at work, such as Lara was over three hours and 134 balls, is always worth any money. But there was much, much more. More from Trinidad Express
Lara inspires upset win
CAPE TOWN: Brian Lara inspired West Indies to an upset three-run victory over hosts South Africa after an extraordinary finish to the opening Cricket World Cup Group "B" match yesterday.
Lara struck a masterful 116 after being dropped first ball to help West Indies rack up 278 for five from their 50 overs.
The South Africans finished on 275 for nine despite a defiant 57 from 48 balls by Lance Klusener which gave them hope of an unlikely win after they had slumped to 204 for seven.
A West Indies victory looked a remote possibility when, after winning the toss, they slumped to seven for two and had to wait until the 13th over to hit their first boundary.
But Lara, spilled by Jacques Kallis one-handed at second slip, received good support from Shivnarine Chanderpaul and captain Carl Hooper on the way to his 16th One-Day International century, which included two sixes and 10 fours.
Lara's dismissal did not slow the run rate as Ricardo Powell (40 not out) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (32) helped their side plunder 110 runs from the final 10 overs of the innings.
South Africa lost Herschelle Gibbs for 24 and Boeta Dippenaar for 20, but it was the fall of Jacques Kallis and Jonty Rhodes in quick succession that knocked the stuffing out of their reply.
The dependable Gary Kirsten reached another One-Day International half-century but when he fell for 69 quickly followed by Pollock, the writing was on the wall for the tournament second favourites.
Mark Boucher made a defiant 49 but when he was yorked by occasional spinner Chris Gayle South Africa's last realistic chance looked to have gone.
Klusener smashed three sixes in one Gayle over to swing the momentum his side's way but, with nine needed off the final over, he was caught in the deep with three balls remaining.
Makhaya Ntini then skied a catch to Sarwan at deep extra cover, leaving South Africa requiring eight runs off one delivery.
Nicky Boje hit a four off the last ball but it was not enough. (Reuters)
Windies win by 3 runs
From correspondents in Cape Town
WEST INDIES, written off as a declining power, have shattered South Africa's dreams of a winning start to the 2003 World Cup, pulling off a thrilling three-run victory here.
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