At one point, South Africa needed 54 runs off 36 balls, and Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive hitting — two sixes and two fours off an over from Axar Patel — reduced the target to 30 off 30 balls. The Proteas appeared to be in control. However, Hardik Pandya delivered a crucial breakthrough, keeping the ball wide as Klaasen edged it behind. That dismissal, followed by David Miller’s inability to deliver in the final moments, left South Africa seven runs short of victory.
Aiden Markram, who had an unbeaten record in ICC events as captain, was at a loss for words after his side fell agonisingly short of clinching their first senior ICC trophy. Markram acknowledged that the scoreboard pressure was a constant challenge for the South African batters. Despite losing the final, Markram said he was proud of the way his team played in the tournament.
“We never got comfortable and there was always scoreboard pressure,” said Markram, “Having said that, this was a really good game which proves that we were worthy finalists. Hopefully, this sets us up in a really good way. We pride ourselves on competing and hopefully we can put our skill to good use.”
The South African camp was filled with tears of heartbreak as they saw the trophy slip from their grasp in the final overs. Playing his last World Cup, Quinton de Kock set the pace early on, and even though Reeza Hendricks and Markram were dismissed cheaply, De Kock and Tristan Stubbs steadied the ship with smart batting.
After Stubbs and eventually De Kock were dismissed, Klaasen ignited hopes with a sensational knock. However, his innings was cut short at a crucial stage, causing the Proteas to falter under pressure. David Miller, expected to steer them home, left it too late. South Africa’s quest for a World Cup continues, marked by another close yet ultimately unsuccessful attempt.