His four wickets in four balls (spread over two overs) almost sucked the life out of the South African challenge. They fell from 5/206 to 9/207 and were in serious danger of losing by a run or two. Slinging yorkers and slower balls that bamboozled the South African middle order, one has to wonder why he didn’t show this fire even 10 runs earlier! It was, however, the magic of Murali that was leaving the South Africans spellbound until then. After dragging Graeme Smith out of the crease, he later accounted for Gibbs and off the very next ball, Mark Boucher. These were the first signs of a potential collapse, but South Africa seemed to have enough depth in the batting to go past 209.
South Africa bowled well and Charl Langeveldt eventually won the man of the match award (joint with Lasith Malinga) for his 5/39 that included some crucial top-order wickets. Graeme Smith now has new worries as the ghost of World Cups past returns to haunt his team: Choking! They seemed to have had it sorted out but they are going down the same path again.
Lasith Malinga has earned himself a place in the annals of cricket history with his performance and the inspired spell of two overs from him almost won Sri Lanka the day. “Yes I did believe I could (take five wickets in five balls) and I really tried but they didn’t need many runs at that stage. I tried to take the wicket but it didn’t happen for me,” said Malinga. Maybe next time his wish of five in five may come true!
South Africa captain, Graeme Smith
On the tense dressing room when Malinga knocked down four batsmen
"That was a pretty stressful last five overs," Smith said. "I caught a few of the boys having a cigarette or two in the dressing room." - "You've got to give Malinga some credit, he is an awkward bowler. He just ran in and gave it his all."
