It is ironic that Jonty's historic run-out would involve Inzamam ul-Haq, the man who holds the record for the most run-outs in international cricket. But as they say, there's a time and there's a place for everything. And the two players were complementary to the event that took place.
On that fateful day in 1992, South Africa had batted first scoring 211. Rhodes' contribution was a none-too-impressive 5. As was the case with South Africa through the tournament, rain was playing havoc with their plans and at 74/2 when the rain came, it wasn't sure which way the target would go. When the clouds cleared, Pakistan needed to score 194 in 36 overs to win the game. Not impossible considering the batting that was yet to come.
Inzamam and Imran Khan were the batsmen at the crease when play resumed and Inzamam took things into his own hands. He was stroking the ball effortlessly showcasing all his talent and taking Pakistan towards the win. His partnership with Imran Khan had realised 85 precious runs, Inzamam adding 48 of these off just 45 balls.
Inzamam has never been the most nimble of batsmen when running between the wickets. Setting for what seemed to be an easy single, he was sent back when Imran saw Jonty Rhodes spring and swoop down on the ball. But for Inzamam, it took a moment too long to turn and start the return journey. That is all Jonty needed. He figured he would not make it to the stumps if he ran and the risk in trying to throw down the stumps was too great given the match situation.
Up until this time, fielding was necessary in cricket to stop straightforward balls, take the odd difficult chance and mostly, retrieve balls from the boundary. Jonty Rhodes' dive to hit the stumps changed all that. More important than the dive itself though was perhaps the fact that the facility of the third umpire was available to confirm what Jonty had just achieved.
Defying gravity and as some would say, common sense, Rhodes had launched himself with ball in hand at the stumps. Just the sight of that watching it live was unbelievable. Over the years, despite seeing it more often, from more angles and at various speeds, it remains unbelievable! Jonty had changed the way the world looked at fielding. He had created history and immortalised himself and all this, through just one leap for fielding!
