World Cup 2015 Semifinal: New Zealand Kept Their Nerves, South Africa Failed, says Sunil Gavaskar
South Africa lost their World Cup 2015 semifinal against New Zealand because they messed up during the crucial moments yet again. The Proteas lost a thriller after setting the Kiwis a stiff target of 298.
South Africa's cricketers were reduced to tears after falling at the semifinals for the fourth time in the seven World Cups. South Africa lost a thriller against New Zealand in Auckland on Tuesday. Words of commiseration and sympathy poured in from around the cricketing world but former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar chose to be blunt in his assessment of the Proteas. (Full World Cup Coverage)
South Africa had batted well enough to post a competitive 281/5 after rain reduced the match to 43-overs-a-side. Duckworth Lewis calculations meant the Black Caps had to chase down 298 against one of the most potent pace attacks in the world. But sloppy fielding, missed catches and missed run-outs allowed the Kiwis to build at least two solid partnerships and claim a historic win. Gavaskar told NDTV that nerves got the better of South Africa. (De Villiers Says He's Gutted After Exit)
"South Africa messed up their opportunities. Nerves got the better of them. New Zealand on the other hand, played outstanding cricket. They deserve to play the final because they kept their nerves, South Africa did not," Gavaskar said. ('New Zealand Deserved to Reach Final')
After missing out on final spots in 1992, 1999 and 2007, a lot was expected from the current South African team, led by AB de Villiers. It was believed this unit knew more about winning than their predecessors and would not slip up at crucial moments. (Elliott to Miss Sister's Wedding After New Zealand Reach Final)
However, some glaring mistakes on the field cost the Proteas dearly. Gavaskar said South Africa paid the price for not keeping their cool.
"Cricket is a mental game at the end of the day. New Zealand kept their cool on Tuesday while South Africa slipped."
Ironically, South Africa's elimination from the World Cup was scripted by another South African.
Grant Elliott, born in Johannesburg, moved to New Zealand in 2001. On Tuesday, his unbeaten 84 stunned his land of birth and prompted Gavaskar to take a dig.
"At least there, was once South African who did not choke on Tuesday."
No matter how much South Africa hate it, they will have to live with the chokers' tag till the next World Cup.