From the rain-hit loss to England in 1992 to Thursday’s defeat in Kolkata, the South Africans merely cannot discover a approach to make the ultimate.
South Africa lost their fifth Cricket World Cup semi-final on Thursday, happening by three wickets to five-time champions Australia in Kolkata.
AFP Sport seems at these 5 losses:
1992: Mission unattainable
South Africa, enjoying in their first World Cup following the tip of the apartheid period, restricted England to 252-6 in 45 overs in their semi-final in Sydney earlier than the rain washed away their desires — and there was nothing they may do about it.
After a 12-minute rain delay, South Africa’s goal was adjusted from 22 runs off 13 balls to an unattainable 22 off one.
“It was and still remains a bit of a con,” stated South Africa batsman Brian McMillan.
1999: Choke’s on us
Set a goal of 214 to defeat Australia in the semi-final at Edgbaston, the Proteas wanted 9 runs off the final over.
Lance Klusener smashed fours off the primary two balls to tie the scores.
However, catastrophe struck on the fourth ball of Damien Fleming’s over when Klusener set off for a single which left Allan Donald stranded and run out.
Australia made the ultimate courtesy of their higher end in the group stage.
“We will never have the chokers tag off our back until we win an official ICC event,” stated Donald. “Until that happens, we will never be forgotten for what happened in 1999.”
2007: Caribbean collapse
Semi-final quantity three got here in the Caribbean at picturesque Gros Islet at St Lucia and South Africa’s opponents had been once more Australia.
Like Thursday, the Proteas received the toss and selected to bat however lost their prime 4 batsmen for 27 together with skipper Graeme Smith for 2.
South Africa’s innings folded for 149 they usually went on to lose the match by seven wickets.
2015: Agony in Eden
Another semi-final and extra rain. This time the venue was Eden Park in Auckland the place South Africa made 281-5 in 43 overs.
New Zealand had been handed a revised goal of 298 and Grant Elliott made an undefeated 84 whereas Brendon McCullum and Corey Anderson hit fifties.
The Black Caps got here via by 4 wickets with only one ball remaining when South Africa-born Elliott hit Dale Steyn for six.
South Africa had been left to rue a collection of pricey errors in the sector which opened the door for the Kiwis.
“It is hurting. It is going to take a while to recover,” admitted South Africa skipper AB de Villiers.
2023: Head’s a heartbreaker
Australia beat South Africa once more, this time by three wickets in a tense chase of 213 in Kolkata to arrange a closing in opposition to India.
Australia wobbled after Travis Head’s 62 however Steve Smith (30) and Josh Inglis (28) helped the five-time champions attain their goal with 16 balls to spare and make their eighth closing.
For South Africa, David Miller’s 101 was not sufficient after the Proteas had slipped to 24-4.
“Australia were ruthless and exploited every bit of advantage, and really put us under pressure. From 24-4, it was always going to be hard to get a competitive total,” admitted captain Temba Bavuma.
Source link
