Last Updated on 5 months by Charbel Coorey
Heartbreak seems to follow South Africa fans in ICC tournaments. They have come close to glory on so many occasions, with the semi-final often a hurdle the Proteas can’t quite overcome. This time – in the 2024 T20 World Cup – they blew Afghanistan away.
They entered the final undefeated against the also unbeaten India. Aiden Markram’s team made an outstanding start with the ball and largely kept India in check until the final few overs where Rohit Sharma’s team struck blows to finish with 176.
It seemed a tricky total but South Africa were on track thanks to a Heinrich Klaasen masterclass. 24 runs in the 15th over put the Proteas within just 30 to win in as many balls with six wickets in hand. Unfortunately, that’s where the good news ended.
South Africa scored just 14 runs in the next 24 balls as Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh put a hold on the scoring. Things were slipping away. David Miller thought he had an escape with 16 needed of just six balls, but Suryakumar Yadav took an outstanding catch although it is felt he stepped on where the boundary should have been.
South Africa fans react to heartbreaking loss in the 2024 T20 World Cup Final
That being said, the Proteas were in a glorious position to win. The fatal last few overs means their wait for World Cup glory continues. Also, their ICC trophy drought – which goes back to the 1998 Champions Trophy – will go on until next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
“We’d like to think we’re one step closer, and hopefully moving forward we can get that first win, and it can be a snowball effect of quite a few to come,” said South Africa captain Aiden Markram.
Here are some of the reactions from South Africa fans after a game that got away.
Current and former South Africa players react to the loss
The likes of Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers reacted to the loss. “This is tough. Heart breaking,” wrote Steyn on X (formerly Twitter).
AB de Villiers was proud of the team. “Hold your heads high, @ProteasMenCSA. You went further than any SA team. You are all heroes. The best is yet to come. Congratulations to India.”
