5 instances when cricket players cried on the field

#4. South African Team

South Africa stumbles again

South African Cricket Team’s poor record in knockout stages of any tournament isn’t hidden from anyone. The team’s performance in crucial matches has thus far been mediocre. The first Semi-Final of the 2015 World Cup was yet another game where the team failed to get the better of its opponents.

Winning the toss, South Africa elected to bat first. Both the African openers were soon sent back to the pavilion largely due to a fiery spell by Trent Boult with the new ball. Batting at his usual position (no. 3), Faf Du Plessis came to rescue his team as he preserved the strike from one end whilst AB Devilliers did his trademark damage from the other end.

Rain interrupted in between which was followed by David Miller’s 49 runs blitz in just 18 balls. The Proteas ended at 281 for 5. New Zealand was given a target of 298 as per the Duckworth Lewis method.

Chasing 298 in the big Semi-Final, Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill got New Zealand off to an ideal start as they raced away to 71 for no loss. Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson were soon dismissed in short intervals. In the meantime, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor had a miniscule partnership.

Corey Anderson and Grant Elliot took charge in the end and applied the finishing touch. However Corey Anderson was given out after scoring a half century, it was Grant Elliott who scored an unbeaten once-in-a-lifetime knock of 84 off 73 deliveries which also included the historic six off Dale Steyn on the Penultimate ball of the match that secured a spot for the Kiwis in the final match of the Cricket World Cup 2015.

South Africa was knocked out of an ICC Tournament on yet another occasion. Even the likes of Dale Steyn, AB De villiers, and Faf Du Plessis were in tears. The team was heartbroken and so were the fans from all over the world.