WC Countdown #9 - Jonty Rhodes' stunning run-out of Inzamam

'Jonty Rhodes knew there was a chance, decided not to throw, other than himself. He gets there first, and wipes everything out.'
'Jonty Rhodes knew there was a chance, decided not to throw, other than himself. He gets there first, and wipes everything out.'

March 08, 1992. The day Jonty Rhodes announced himself. The day he becamesynonymouswith jaw-dropping fielding. 22 years old, with a mop cut that made himlook younger than he actually was, and as vigilant and spectacular as they come - Rhodes was certainly a sight to behold in a South African team that had made its debut in World Cups and was already getting everybody to sit up and take notice.

Already recognized as a superlative fielder, Rhodes took it a notch further up during the game against Pakistan. His run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq is easily one of the most viewed videos and pictures in cricket, but even two decades after his incredible leap to shatter the stumps at the strikers end, the moment remains enduring and awe-inspiring.

Chasing a revised target of 194 in 36 overs, Pakistan were closing in thanks to a vital stand of 61 between captain Imran Khan and Inzamam. Inzi, in particular, looked in ominous touch and had slammed his way to 48. Ominous until he decided to sneak a single off Brian McMillan in the 31st over.

The Pakistan batsman missed a heave and tried to steal a leg-bye. He only taken a few steps towards the non-strikers end before he was sent back by Imran Khan. Jonty Rhodes, fielding at point, however, was on the ball in a flash. With only one stump to aim at, Jonty opted for something more eye-catching than a throw. He raced forward and hurled himself towards the stumps. His arm fully outstretched, and his body parallel to the ground Rhodes shattered the stumps. Inzamam was caught short of the crease and South Africa had claimed the all-important wicket.

That proved to be the turning point in the game and South Africa went on to win the rain-marred game by 20 runs.