Where the Proteas lost the WC plot

POLOKWANE – With South Africa’s cricket team not making it further than the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup, Review spoke to some people to find out what they thought the Proteas did wrong.

JJ van der Merwe explained that the Proteas had four or five chances to either run or catch out New Zealand.

He also said the Proteas should not have put Vernon Philander in Kyle Abbotts’ place because Abbott bowled really well in the quarter-finals against Sri Lanka.

Alet Rheeder agreed with JJ in that Abbot showed what he was capable of in the quarter-finals and Philander was not in top form.

“Hopefully they will learn from this and use the information to improve their game next time,” she said.

Nomthandazo Skosana was not sure what South Africa did wrong.

“I don’t think any one person is to blame. Cricket is a team sport that needs team work,” she said.

Mpho Mokgotho said the Proteas lost their composure and were nervous.

“If Dale Steyn focused on bowling straight the last over, maybe New Zealand would not have scored the winning runs,” he said.

Tshepo Phalane said the South African team played very well. “Losing the game was just plain bad luck.”

Maphuti Mokwele said she was very sad that they lost, but thought they were just too nervous and that the pressure was too much for them.