Come Sunday and one of New Zealand and Australia will be crowned the ODI World Champion. Which team did I support, you ask? South Africa. What happened to them, you ask? Well, they lost. Yes. South Africa lost, once again. Choked, you ask? Not this time. This year they let the tears flow.I am definitely not the best person around to give you a ball-by-ball analysis or clinically examine where they went wrong. For this, we already have about everyone ranging from the morning milkman, who would tell you that Steyn should have had more calcium to get that extra 'bite' in his teeth to Martin Crowe, who had, more than a month ago written such a beautiful and inspiring letter that you OUGHT TO read it.
All those who know me well would concur that I should refrain from writing anything that is even remotely connected to sports. But such is the charm this South African team has over me, that a boy, who must have last held a bat in his hand five years ago, preferred and prayed for a World Cup title for South Africa rather than marks in his year-end examinations (not that the latter's now going to get better!).
At the end of the day, the Cup was not to be the Proteas'. Come to think of it, and it is probably fair that the Kiwis won. They were, as de Villiers put it, 'the better team' on the night. After all South Africa had won their first knockout game seven World Cups, while New Zealand won their first semi-final in seven attempts. It definitely did hurt me that for a catch here and a run-out there, I would have been busy with the prayers. But there must be no regrets as South Africa had 'given it all' and 'left it all' on the field.
Yes, South Africa might not have won the World Cup but they won over the world.
AB's 150 v West Indies.
Miller's contrasting yet valuable innings in their first and last matches.
Duminy's unnoticed hattrick and Quinny's catch in the quarters.
Quirky Tahir's beautiful leg-spin and his equally funky celebrations.
Steyn's eye-popping spells.
They performed with passion in every game. Yes, AB de Villiers, the sun will rise and herald a glorious and bright morning. Glorious enough to match your spirits and exploits. Bright enough to match your and your team's future.
AB's 150 v West Indies.
Miller's contrasting yet valuable innings in their first and last matches.
Duminy's unnoticed hattrick and Quinny's catch in the quarters.
Quirky Tahir's beautiful leg-spin and his equally funky celebrations.
Steyn's eye-popping spells.
They performed with passion in every game. Yes, AB de Villiers, the sun will rise and herald a glorious and bright morning. Glorious enough to match your spirits and exploits. Bright enough to match your and your team's future.
I would have loved to write more about the team I love, admire, respect and absolutely adore, but I would save it for another occasion.
You'll rise higher
After every fire
With belief in your heart and strength in your mind
The path to success, you shall surely find
Thank you to the squad of fifteen who played their hearts out.
Thank you to the coaches and support staff who were steady sources of help, motivation and inspiration.
Thank you to the families of the players for always being there
Thank you, South Africa.
PS: Here is the video by the Proteas which inspired me.
PS: Here is the video by the Proteas which inspired me.
PPS: Thanks for reading. Please like, comment and share! Good luck to the Aussies and Kiwis for the Final. Good bye!! Happy Reading!!
