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Dale Steyn, Graeme Smith Pour Emotions Out As South Africa Reach First Ever T20 World Cup Final

admin — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 07:55:29 +0000

The Proteas broke the jinx by entering their maiden T20 World Cup final.© AFP

Graeme Smith and Dale Steyn are all too familiar with the heartbreak of being a South African at ICC events, and as the Proteas broke the jinx by entering their maiden T20 World Cup final, both men felt emotionally overwhelmed. South Africa handed a nine-wicket thrashing to Afghanistan in the semifinals in Tarouba, Trinidad to make the final after seven semifinal disappointments of the past. “We are in the finals. Couldn’t be happier for @AidzMarkaram and the team, one more to go,” wrote former skipper Smith on his X account, tagging current captain Aiden Markram.

Couldn’t be happier for @AidzMarkram and the team, one more to go.

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) June 27, 2024

Steyn, the premier fast bowler of his time, was as delighted to see his country in the showpiece’s final, and lauded the pace bowlers for producing a brilliant effort to bowl out the Afghans for a feeble 56.

“It’s emotional down here. We’re into a final. Proteas with the bit between their teeth! “It’s been destructive poetry in motion. Beautiful to watch,” Steyn scribbled on his X handle.

It’s emotional down here.

We’re into a final

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) June 27, 2024

The South African government too congratulated the team for achieving a historic feat.

“Congratulations @ProteasMenCSA on reaching the finals in the T20 World Cup for the first time beating Afghanistan by 9 wickets.” The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) also lauded the rivals for reaching the title clash, even though they were crestfallen by the result in the semifinals.

“Not exactly the ending we hoped for in this T20 World Cup. But hats off to #AfghanAtalan for an unforgettable performance throughout the event.

“Congratulations to @ProteasMenCSA for securing their first-ever final berth in World Cup cricket.”

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Choke-Hold: A Look At South Africa’s Painful Past At ICC Events

admin — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 06:09:24 +0000

South Africa and World Cup semifinals used to be a sporting tragedy of Shakepearean proportions. Not anymore. Shedding the unwanted tag of perennial “chokers” the Proteas marched into their maiden T20 World Cup final unbeaten in Tarouba, Trinidad, comfortably beating tournament giant-slayers Afghanistan. The triumph wiped off years of heartache and the trauma of being labelled under-performers despite having some of international cricket’s biggest names in the line-up. Let’s take a look at the Proteas’ tormented past when they failed to get over the line at key junctures in global events.

1992 ODI World Cup semifinal vs Australia

Not quite a choke but just bad luck. Emerging after 22 years of exile following the end of apartheid in the country, South Agrica had everything going for them, their lightening quick bowlers were excelling, their fielders affected sensational run-outs.

However, in the semifinal, rain came and the equation went from a reasonably gettable 22 off 7 balls, gettable to 22 off just one bacll, thanks to a miscommunication on their revised target.

1996 ODI World Cup quarterfinal vs West Indies

Having won all their group games, Hansie Cronje and his men started firm favourites against West Indies in the quarterfinal. But Brian Lara played an absolute blinder while spinners Roger Harper and Jimmy Adams spun a web to inflict a 19-run defeat on the Proteas.

1999 ODI World Cup semifinal vs Australia

Perhaps the most devastating game in South Africa’s cricketing history. The semifinal at Edgbaston that turned tournament’s best player Lance Klusener into the World Cup’s biggest tragic hero.

Chasing a modest 214, South Africa needed nine off the final over with the final pair at the crease. Klusener smashed the first two balls for fours to level the scores but Allan Donald was run out and the game was tied.

Australia went through to the final as they had won the previous game between the teams in the super sixes stage.

2007 ODI World Cup semifinal vs Australia

South Africa’s decision to bat first backfired dramatically as a revered line-up, including the likes of Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers and Mark Boucher, was shot out for 149. Australia finished the game off with nearly 20 overs to spare

2009 T20 World Cup semifinal vs Pakistan

The Proteas had defeated New Zealand, England, West Indies and India to reach the last four stage high on confidence. But a miserly spell by Shahid Afridi stopped them as they failed to chase a reasonably decent 150.

2011 ODI World Cup quarterfinal vs New Zealand

A line up boasting of AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and JP Duminy failed to chase down a small target of 222 against New Zealand. At 108 for 3 in the 25 overs, South Africa looked set to cruise to victory but then lost next seven wickets for 64 runs.

2013 Champions Trophy semifinal vs England

South Africa were reeling at 8/80 before David Miller and Rory Kleinveldt inflated the total to 175. But Jonathan Trott smashed an unbeaten 82 and England won by seven wickets with more than 12 overs spare.

“I think we did choke in the game. You’ve got to accept that’s what it is. It’s definitely a dark mist that hangs over South African cricket in knockout events,” coach Gary Kirsten had said after the game.

2014 T20 World Cup semifinal vs India

South Africa’s semifinal curse continued as they failed to get over the line in another crunch match. This time against a clinical Indian unit.

2015 ODI World Cup semifinal vs New Zealand

The tide didn’t turn for the Proteas. A golden generation of South Africa cricketers, at their peak, had all bases covered. But were knocked out by New Zealand again in the semifinals stage giving yet another heartbreak.

2022 T20 World Cup Super 12 vs the Netherlands

A solitary win away from the semifinals, South Africa choked, suffering a 13-run shock defeat at the hands of a spirited Netherlands side.

2023 ODI World Cup semifinal vs Australia

The Proteas galloped through the league stage, even inflicting a massive 134-run defeat on Australia. But when it came to the crucial last four game, South Africa meekly surrendered to the men from Down Under in the semifinals, for their fifth semifinal exit in 50-over World Cups.

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Cricket World Cup – “Temba Bavuma Must Step Up…”: Graeme Smith’s Advice For South Africa Captain

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:19:01 +0000

South Africa owes its success to one of its “most destructive” middle-order, said former skipper Graeme Smith, who wants captain Temba Bavuma to step up to guide the team to a first-ever World Cup title. Smith admits he did not expect this South African side to be so ruthless but said their consistent and dominant performances have established them as one of the favourites to lift the title. “Like everybody else, my expectations were lower going into the tournament. I knew that if the team was going to do well, there were certain players who had to have a good tournament — and that has happened,” Smith told PTI.

“South Africa has a really destructive middle order. I would probably say one of South Africa’s most destructive middle-order ever — with Nos 4, 5 and 6, (Aiden) Markram, (Heinrich) Klaasen and (David) Miller — you have got players that have incredible power and destructive ability. They all play spin well, that is a huge asset.” For a team to have recorded totals in the range of 400 as many as three times, Smith feels batting with freedom has led them to dominate the opposition in the competition and they must stick with what has worked for them with the semifinals looming large.

“They are building up to some big games, against Afghanistan, New Zealand and India. Hopefully, they can maintain the freedom (with which) they have been playing with,” said Smith, who is also the league commissioner of SA20.

“The key for them now, getting to these stages in the tournament, (the) conversations change, (the) pressure changes and expectations are now there. They should just focus on cricket and play the way they have played.” Smith said South Africa’s success is a testimony to the work done by captain Bavuma, white ball coach Rob Walter and senior players, but the skipper must put in some strong performances too.

“I know what it is like. He (Bavuma) is batting, he is captaining … off the field stuff, and his tactical stuff on the field is going to be the key. He is carrying a lot, he has been in the job for a period of time,” Smith said.

“He has had the downs, he has had the ups and he has got enough experience now to be able to do the job really well. There seems to be a great spirit within the squad, that is a testimony to him and Rob Walter (the coach) and all the senior players for how the squad is playing.

“I would love to see, at this stage in the tournament, (Bavuma to) step up with the bat, make really good decisions and he certainly has the opportunity to do that. The world is yours, you have got yourself in this position now, you have pretty much qualified for the semifinals now, lots to look forward to.” South African national rubgy team on Saturday won its fourth World cup title and Smith hoped the country’s cricket side can emulate the Springboks. “The opportunity for Temba is incredible. Our rugby team has just won the World Cup now, South Africa is going sports-mad at the moment and you expect that to now translate into the Proteas … I am hoping for a South Africa-India final — that would be great.” Smith, who has an incredible record of 53 wins from 108 Tests as captain, was relieved South Africa have been able to put behind disappointing performances in the past World Cup events and are in the ‘hunt’ for their maiden title win in this edition.

“South Africa has been there as well for the last few tournaments. From our perspective it is great to see that the team is doing well and in the hunt — that is what you want — you want your team in the hunt as you get to crunch time in the tournament,” he said.

South Africa will face India on November 5 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Smith recalled memories of playing at the hallowed turf.

“In 2011, I remember playing against India in Nagpur — a hell of a game — we went over the line and India then went on to win the World Cup.

“These experiences will stay with the players forever, to play India in those types of stadiums is an incredible thing, but if they go on to beat them it will be even better,” he added.

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“Have Got Lot Of Bases Covered”: Ex-South Africa Captain’s Ultimate Praise For Team India

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 12:50:26 +0000

The balance might have been affected due to Hardik Pandya’s untimely ankle injury but even then the Indian team has hardly faced any tough test in the ongoing World Cup, feels former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith. Indian team has been in rollicking form in the league stage as they have recorded crushing victories in all six matches so far to firmly place itself at top of 10-team table.

“India have been so dominant that they have not even been tested yet in the tournament. Last night probably, with a 230 total (against England) was perhaps the first time you could say, but it was a tough wicket and it showed that. They have been very dominant so far,” Smith told PTI in an exclusive interview here on Monday.

Smith made no bones in admitting that India as a team, over the years, has been a formidable opposition at home.

“India, at home, are always tough to beat. They play so well in their conditions. You have got the balance, the bowling attack has weapons with fast bowling and great spinners, you have got a lot of bases covered,” he added.

“One worry at the moment is that you are playing one extra bowler because of that injury to Hardik Pandya. They have lost a little bit of balance that he brings,” he said.

“If you play against a team that gets you into trouble, say you are three or four (wickets) down, you are a batter short — you are missing that all-rounder.

“But (the) thing from watching India and the IPL, you have got players that have played in big situations a lot in their career and they have always managed to find a way,” Smith said.

India have played in front of packed houses with passionate fans filling up the stadiums around the country to the brim, as Smith feels so far the Indian team has not allowed the burden of expectations to put them under any kind of pressure.

“So far, the expectation of playing in India does not seem to be affecting them,” Smith said. But the next 10 days or the next two weeks is (about) getting to the crunch time in the tournament now and it will be interesting to watch how teams start to find performances now, as we move to the main part of the tournament,” he added.

The former South African skipper believes India have got the best bowling attack among all teams in the competition, an all-round bowling attack which can take wickets at any stage in an innings.

“India, I think, because they have got two high quality spinners. With (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami and (Mohammed) Siraj, they have got pace bowlers who are brilliant as well,” Smith replied when he was asked about the best bowling attack across all teams in the World Cup.

“You have got out-and-out attacking bowlers — everywhere they can take wickets throughout the innings. The depth, when we talk about pitches being batter-friendly and high-scoring, and to have bowlers who can take wickets, is a huge asset to have,” Smith added.

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Harbhajan Singh Says “Bad Umpiring Cost Pakistan This Game”. South Africa Great Reacts

admin — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 05:25:07 +0000

Pakistan suffered a shocking one-wicket defeat against South Africa in their ODI World Cup 2023 match on Friday. Chasing 271, Pakistan gave their best bowling effort to restrict the Proteas but Aiden Markram‘s 91-run knock and Keshav Maharaj‘s boundary helped them seal a win in the 48th over. Apart from this thrilling chase, this match also grabbed a lot of limelight when Tabraiz Shamsi survived a close leg-before appeal that went to umpire’s call off fast bowler Haris Rauf with eight needed. The incident took place on the final ball of the 46th over.

Commenting on the situation, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh did not mince his words while criticizing the bad umpiring, which eventually “cost Pakistan this game”.

“Bad umpiring and bad rules cost Pakistan this game..@ICC should change this rule .. if the ball is hitting the stump that’s out whether umpire gave out or not out doesn’t matter.. otherwise what is the use of technology???” tweeted Harbhajan.

Bad umpiring and bad rules cost Pakistan this game.. @ICC should change this rule .. if the ball is hitting the stump that’s out whether umpire gave out or not out doesn’t matter.. otherwise what is the use of technology??? @TheRealPCB vs #SouthAfrica #worldcup

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 27, 2023

However, Harbhajan’s words did not go well with former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith as he immediately gave a reference of the LBW dismissal of Rassie Van Der Dussen.

“Bhajji, @harbhajan_singh I feel the same as you on umpires call, but @Rassie72 and South Africa can have the same feeling.?” tweeted Smith.

Bhajji, @harbhajan_singh I feel the same as you on umpires call, but @Rassie72 and South Africa can have the same feeling.? https://t.co/lcTvm8zXD1

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) October 27, 2023

During the 19th over, Rassie Van Der Dussen was declared LBW out after he was struck on the pads off Usama Mir‘s delivery. The Proteas batter took the DRS but the decision came as the umpire’s call and Rassie had to depart.

Harbhajan also shared his verdict on van der Dussen’s dismissal, saying that the batter was not out. The former India spinner added that the technology was used to save the umpire, rather than the batter. “He was not out according to me .. but tech was there to give him out as umpire gave him out.. otherwise umpire would hv looked bad for wrong decision.. they saved the umpire there not the player who could have won the game easily for SA,” Harbhajan added.

He was not out according to me .. but tech was there to give him out as umpire gave him out.. otherwise umpire would hv looked bad for wrong decision.. they saved the umpire there not the player who could have won the game easily for SA https://t.co/8aZXAWjaZR pic.twitter.com/FMZCZ5MTY2

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 27, 2023

The win took South Africa top of the table with 10 points from five wins in six matches.

Pakistan, however, have lost four in succession after opening the tournament with back-to-back wins.

They have four points and will need results to fall in their favour if they are to sneak into the semi-finals.

(With AFP Inputs)

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