8 magic moments of the World Cup

From Wahab Riaz and Shane Watson's off to Yasir's diving attempt, the best moments of the World Cup

As the World Cup tournament concluded on Sunday, crowning Australia champions for the fifth time, we have collected magic moments from the tournament.

 

1) The sound of Wahab hands clapping

In a tense quarter-final between Pakistan and Australia, Wahab Riaz peppered Shane Watson with a series of short balls before eyeballing and applauding the veteran all-rounder. Wahab also blew him a kiss for luck during one of the tournament's most hostile spells of fast bowling. Watson had the last laugh as he was dropped by Rahat Ali before leading his team to victory. Both men were later fined.

 

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2) That's pants, Yasir

Leg spinner Yasir Shah made a brave but fruitless, diving attempt to prevent a four in the win against South Africa in Auckland. Worse was to follow as millions of TV viewers around the world got a glimpse of Yasir's pristine white Y-fronts as his trousers got caught in the boundary ropes.

 



PHOTO: TWITTER

 

3) Rambo inspires Afghanistan

Afghanistan fast bowler Hamid Hassan became a cult hero, charging in with bandanna strapped tightly around his head, with cheeks painted in the colours of the Afghan flag. He admitted his hero was Rambo but unlike Sylvester Stallone's on-screen lone wolf, he performed a nifty cartwheel when he took a wicket. Hassan was also at the non-striker's end when Shapoor Zadran hit the winning runs in the historic win over Scotland.

 



PHOTO: AP

 

4) Gayle takes tweet revenge

If West Indies Cricket Board president Dave Cameron was trying to get Chris Gayle fired up when he retweeted a call from a fan to pension off the star opener, it certainly did the trick.

"Gayle goes... Can't buy a run. Let's give him a retirement package ... Can't fail repeatedly and still front up based on reputation," was the fan's post retweeted by the Windies boss.

Two days later, Gayle smashed the first-ever World Cup double century in the win over Bangladesh.

 



PHOTO: GETTY

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5) Bugs life in Hamilton

New Zealand and Bangladesh players had to call for insect sprays to fend off swarms of black bugs which descended on Hamilton's Seddon Park.

On a steamy, muggy day in the city, bugs caused a number of brief stoppages as Bangladesh batted in the early afternoon.

It was also reported that nearby pharmacies had run out of insect repellent as players and fans sought relief.

 



 

6) Music while you work

Tournament DJs, supplying music snippets in between overs or during breaks, have been quick witted and quick off the mark. They played the Monkees' "I'm a Believer" when Pakistan were trying to chase down the West Indies in Christchurch and "Doctor, Doctor" by the Thompson Twins as New Zealand's Martin Guptill was treated for cramp against Bangladesh.

 



 

 

7) Bangladesh's 'Bryan brothers'

Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and skipper Mashrafe Mortaza mimicked US tennis brothers Mike and Bob Bryan's famous leaping chest bump celebration when Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed. It was a powerful collision, sending both men falling to the ground.

 



PHOTO: TWITTER 

 

8) Clarke signs off in style

Australia captain Michael Clarke dedicated the World Cup title to Phillip Hughes, the team-mate who died after being hit on the head by a bouncer last year.

"I'm sure everybody standing on this stage will say we played this World Cup with 16 players," said Clarke who made a 74 in the final.

"This victory is dedicated to our little brother Phillip Hughes."

 



 PHOTO: AFP