AUCKLAND // Russell Domingo, the South Africa coach, said his players had been "broken" by their final-over defeat to New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final.
The co-hosts succeeded in the biggest run chase in the knockout stages of any World Cup to reach the final when South-African born Grant Elliott hit the penultimate ball of the match for a six to reach 299 for six.
Defeat means South Africa have still yet to play in a World Cup final and Domingo confessed his side were shattered by the manner of the loss.
“The boys are broken, there is no doubt about it,” Domingo said.
“It has been a really tough, tough defeat for us.”
He said he was “extremely proud” of the way AB de Villiers, South Africa’s captain, had led the side.
De Villiers, though, was entirely disconsolate. He was in tears at the conclusion and struggled to rouse teammates who were similarly upset.
At his post-match news conference, he seemed shell-shocked and he acknowledged to feeling disorientated by the defeat.
“I have absolutely no idea what to do from here on in,” De Villiers said of the Proteas’ latest semi-final defeat. “I don’t even know when we’re going home. It’s going to take some time.
“As a captain, I’ll be there for the guys as much as I can, and there is nothing you can do about it now.”
REPORT CARD
Star performer
Grant Elliott was practising in the nets at Eden Park with Craig McMillan, New Zealand's batting coach, more than two hours before the start of the match, before the gates had opened and before most of his teammates had changed into their training kit. Practice made perfect. Late in the night, he struck the telling blow and took the glory.
Underperformer
Hashim Amla
This was not quite the World Cup a man of his talents is capable of and it finished on a low note. With Trent Boult swinging the ball prodigiously, he played outside a drive and edged the ball back onto his stumps. His dismissal gave the New Zealanders the early ascendancy and it was a struggle to wrest it back.
Key moment
AB de Villiers is rated by many as the best fielder in the game. A rare blemish might well have cost his side, though, as he rushed to collect a throw to run out Corey Anderson, below. He missed the ball and dislodged the bails with his body with Anderson, on 38, well short of his ground. He made 20 more runs after that reprieve.
New Zealand rating
9/10 - A point lost for the way their fifth-bowler weakness, despite Anderson’s three wickets, was exposed by classy batsmen. Their poise under the weight of expectation, though, was remarkable. Elliott was the star, but almost everyone made a contribution.
South Africa rating
8/10 - Gallant, courageous, heroic losers. This was not a choke, even though they missed chances in the field. They were outplayed, only just, by a brilliant side playing at home, in one of the greatest cricket World Cup matches of all. No shame in that.
The National verdict
If the final gets even close to matching the theatre of this then we are in for a treat on Sunday. De Villiers cried tears of sorrow. Thousands shed tears of joy. In Melbourne New Zealand have nothing to fear, whether it be India or Australia they face.
pradley@thenational.ae
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