CWC 2015: The five best stories of the tournament

#5 Sad faces all around as South Africa lose a thrilling semi-final

Morne Morkel could not hide his tears.

After South Africa's win over Sri Lanka in the quarter-final, it looked like that the Proteas had left the ghosts of knockout behind. They faced New Zealand in the first semi-final of the CWC 2015 at Auckland. In a rain-curtailed match, South Africa posted 281/5 in 43 overs, with the highest contribution from Faf Du Plessis (82). Implementation of the Duckworth Lewis rule extended the target for New Zealand to 298 in 43 overs.

NZ captain Brenden McCullum started with a bang, smashing 59 off just 26 balls. But quick wickets brought South Africa in the hunt before NZ went ahead again on the back of 103 runs partnership between Grant Elliott and Corey Anderson.

NZ needed 12 runs in the last over; shortly it got to 5 off 2 balls. The second last ball of the match, Dale Steyn bowled a length ball and Eliott slammed it over long-on for a six.

South Africa's defeat created a mournful atmosphere as most of the African players were seen in tears. Steyn fell flat on the pitch after delivering that ball. The haunts of floundering at a crucial stage were back.