T20 World Cup: Oops, the Proteas choked it again
Is a semi-final run something to be proud of or rather deeply scrutinised?
The Proteas keep writing unwanted records as they continue to fall at familiar hurdles in major tournaments.
Proteas get thrashed in T20 World Cup semis
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first. South Africa started poorly, eventually gathered themselves and posted a respectable 169/8, thanks largely to a stellar knock from fast bowler and number 7 batter Marco Jansen, who ended unbeaten on 55* off 30 balls. The unlikely hero candidate emerged after the South African top order disintegrated again in a big match.
The Black Caps, however, made a mockery of that total, chasing it down with nine wickets and 43 balls to spare. Opener Finn Allen sent South Africa’s bowlers to all corners of the ground, smashing 100 off 33 balls, the fastest ever century in T20 World Cups. Getting beaten in a tight contest is fine, but this was never a contest. Fan disappointment is bordering on PTSD at this point, for a support base that’s been through A LOT.
T20 World Cup record is improving, but needs work
In T20Is, the record is better, but still points to serious issues around BMT. Their record stands at 1–3 in semi-final contests. The latest defeat stings more than most after the Proteas looked like the side to beat throughout the tournament, only to fall at a familiar hurdle. The South African senior men’s cricket team have lost T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2009, 2014 and now 2026. Their sole semifinal win came in 2024 against Afghanistan in 2024. However, they went on to lose the final (their first ever) against India. The Chokers tag is unlikely to vanish any time soon.
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