South Africa and the famous C-word - Cricket Winner

1992 saw rain break the South Africans. 1999 was possibly the biggest choke with a run-out leading to a tie. 2011 had another run-out as Faf du Plessis cause the run-out of Ab De Villiers. 2015 was the moment with a lot of tears as South Africa put up possibly their best World Cup performance. They dominated, they had the pace attack for the conditions and the batting line-up led by Ab De Villiers was in its prime. The bowlers as well with Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir was all at its best with the golden generation all within the 28-32 age range and on top of their games.

The fall-out was tough. Transformation targets with the incident strengthened and changes took place. AB De Villiers stepped down as captain soon after and reduced his appearances as well. Age caught up with Dale Steyn who struggled for fitness and a lot of players ended up going on Kolpak deals. 2024 though will go down differently.

Like 2015, most players here are in their primes or yet to hit their best. South Africa though fell apart on their own here after needing a run a ball for the last five overs. Heinrich Klaasen was blasting away and David Miller was set but it was not meant to be. The emotions were evident with South Africa in tears once more. They made their first final and had a hand on the cup for most of the game. The Final grab though did not come.

A lot of moments come back to mind. Quinton De Kock hitting it to a fielder who was placed in the spot a ball before is one big moment. Heinrich Klaasen having his feet frozen while facing a widish delivery to get caught behind is another. A nerve racking affair in the end though with little time to get out. The last heartbreak in 2015 saw South Africa fail to make the Semi-Finals of an ICC event for another eight years. This time it could be different though with a similar transition unlikely.

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The loss here ideally gives a lot of hope for 2027. The team remains young and dominant in parts. The only one who could feel lost potentially is David Miller. Miller was a part of the heartbreak in 2015, and he has seen a lot of tough moments in his 14 year long career. At 35, his chances at redemption will be a little challenging but he has indicated his desire to continue. There are two years left and South Africa will be eager to fight back after another great choke. The C-Word continues to haunt them and South Africa will be all the more desperate to find a way out now.