Cricket World Cup matchday 25: South Africa eliminated after Pakistan defeat
The Proteas have failed to pass the group stages for just the second time.
South Africa’s hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals are over as their nightmare tournament continued with a 49-run defeat to Pakistan at Lord’s.
The Proteas have failed to pass the group stages for just the second time and face two dead rubbers over the next two weeks.
South Africa failed to reach the knockout rounds as hosts in 2003, but still won three of their six encounters.
Head coach Ottis Gibson’s men have only beaten minnows Afghanistan at this tournament, and still have to face Sri Lanka and Australia.
Even three wins in nine matches would not gloss a woeful campaign, but given the Proteas’ dire form the chance of consolation victories appears remote.
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Imran Tahir has more World Cup wickets than any other South Africa bowler, overtaking Allan Donald’s 38 with a brace against Pakistan at Lord’s.
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Tahir’s stunning snatch take from his own bowling to dismiss Imam Ul Haq briefly gave South Africa hope of a last-gasp resurgence. The in-form spinner had all too little support from his struggling team-mates however, as the Proteas’ already thin semi-final hopes were finally extinguished.
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June 24: Afghanistan v Bangladesh at Southampton.
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