South Africa v England
Richard Hobson
15-Apr-2005
At Bloemfontein, February 2, 2005 (day/night). Tied. Toss: South Africa. One-day international
debut: A. B. de Villiers.
Memories of great South African chokes from the past were rekindled as they failed to score
three runs from the last six balls to win, producing the 20th tie in 2,219 one-day internationals,
and South Africa's fifth in less than six years. The word "eventful" barely does justice to the last
over. It began when Boucher swung a chest-high no-ball from the inexperienced Kabir Ali to the
boundary, before pulling another full toss straight to Giles in the deep; continued with Prince being run out by Bell; and ended with Hall stumped first ball on a dazed meander from the crease.
England celebrated like winners, which they expected to be when Pietersen struck 108 not out
from 96 balls, a maiden hundred for his adopted country. With four sharp chances either going
to ground or falling short he enjoyed enough good fortune to last an entire series, and the kiss
he planted on his helmet after reaching three figures may have been the most passionate-looking
ever witnessed on a cricket field. Pietersen's fifth-wicket stand of 92 from 79 balls with Collingwood
appeared decisive, but Kallis and Gibbs manoeuvred the ball simply and effectively in mid-innings
before Kemp upped the pace to produce the tense finale.
Man of the Match: K. P. Pietersen.