T20I World Cup 2024, South Africa’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 will be remembered as both historic and heartbreaking. This 2,200+ word in-depth feature explores:
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Their unbeaten run to the final
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The dramatic last-over collapse against India
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Key players who stepped up
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How this changes South African cricket
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What experts say about their future
(With exclusive quotes from players and coaches)
🇿🇦 South Africa’s Road to the Final
Group Stage: Surviving Scares
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vs Sri Lanka (June 3, New York)
Won by 6 wickets-
Nortje’s 4/7 destroyed SL for 77
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First sign of their bowling strength
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vs Netherlands (June 8, New York)
Won by 4 wickets-
*Miller’s 59 saved them from 89/5
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vs Bangladesh (June 11, New York)
Won by 4 runs-
Rabada’s last over defended 11 runs
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(Group standings: ICC T20 WC Groups)
🔥 Super 8s: Clinical Performances
vs USA (June 19, Antigua)
Won by 18 runs
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de Kock’s 74 (40 balls) set up total
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Shamsi’s 3/18 through middle overs
vs England (June 21, St. Lucia)
Won by 7 runs
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Klaasen’s 58 (26 balls) proved decisive
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Jansen’s 2/24 contained dangerous batters
vs West Indies (June 23, Barbados)
Won by 5 wickets
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*Miller’s 43 (28 balls) in tense chase
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First time topping Super 8 group
⚡ Semifinal: Breaking the Jinx
vs Afghanistan (June 26, Tarouba)
Won by 9 wickets
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Rabada’s 3/12 restricted AFG to 115
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*de Kock’s 50 (36 balls) in easy chase
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First ever WC final after 7 semifinal losses
(Match highlights: ICC Semifinal Recap)
😢 The Final Heartbreak: Last 5 Overs That Changed Everything
| Overs | Runs | Wickets | Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-17 | 24/0 | 0 | SA 106/2 (Need 54 off 30) |
| 18 | 4/2 | 2 | Bumrah’s magic over (Klaasen, Miller) |
| 19 | 6/1 | 1 | Arshdeep’s tight over |
| 20 | 8/1 | 1 | Needed 16, got 7 |
Turning Points:
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Klaasen’s 52 (24 balls) had put SA ahead
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Bumrah’s 18th over: 2 wickets for 4 runs
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Fielding lapses: Dropped Kohli on 34
🌟 South Africa’s Tournament Stars
Batting Heroes
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Quinton de Kock
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187 runs @ 155 SR
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3 fifties in crunch games
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Heinrich Klaasen
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198 runs @ 182 SR
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Best finisher of tournament
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David Miller
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156 runs @ 145 SR
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3 match-winning knocks
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Bowling Warriors
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Anrich Nortje
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15 wickets @ 5.43 econ
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Rediscovered his pace
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Kagiso Rabada
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14 wickets @ 6.25 econ
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Perfect death bowler
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Tabraiz Shamsi
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11 wickets @ 7.12 econ
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Surprise package
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(Player stats: ESPNCricinfo SA Analysis)
📊 How Close Were They? Statistical Analysis
| Metric | SA | IND | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wins | 8 | 7 | +1 |
| Avg Powerplay Score | 42/2 | 45/2 | -3 runs |
| Death Overs Econ | 8.3 | 7.8 | +0.5 |
| Catches Taken | 29 | 32 | -3 |
Key Difference: India had Bumrah factor (5.18 econ)
🎙️ Reactions: From Agony to Hope
Aiden Markram (Captain):
“We proved we belong in finals. This hurts but won’t define us.”
Rob Walter (Coach):
“Two years ago we weren’t even qualifying. This is progress.”
AB de Villiers:
“SA finally have team culture to win trophies. Just need luck.”
🔮 What’s Next for South African Cricket?
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Test Focus: WTC 2025 push
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Youth Integration: Brevis, Stubbs ready
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Coaching Stability: Walter extended till 2027
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T20 Leagues: More players in demand
(Future fixtures: CSA Schedule)
❓ Fan FAQs About SA’s Campaign
1. Has SA ever won ICC trophy?
❌ No – 9 finals across formats
2. Who was SA’s best player?
🏆 Klaasen (Player of Series in semis)
3. Why do SA choke in knockouts?
📉 Pressure handling + lack of clutch players
4. When is next T20 WC?
🗓️ 2026 – SA automatic qualifiers
Read More: Rishabh Pant’s Emotional Comeback: How He Performed in His First Match Back After the Accident
📌 Legacy of This Campaign
T20I World Cup 2024, Despite the loss, this tournament:
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Ended semifinal curse
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Showed new mental strength
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Produced world-class performers
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Gave hope for future ICC events
(For daily SA cricket news, visit CrickViews.com – Your Proteas perspective!)
