Temba Bavuma: This is quite hard to put into words

Temba Bavuma cricketTemba Bavuma

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma reflected on the Proteas’ Cricket World Cup semi-final exit to Australia with disappointment on Thursday.

Bavuma chose to bat first after winning the toss. South Africa slipped to 24 for four before recovering to 212 all out in 49.4 overs after batsman David Miller’s century in Kolkata.

Australia replied with 60 without loss inside seven overs – and ultimately 215 for seven in 47.2 They will meet India in Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad.

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“This is quite hard to put into words. They were outstanding for a large part of the game and thoroughly deserved victory,” said Bavuma.

“Looking at the result, I think the way we started with the bat and the ball was probably the turning point. We lost it quite badly there and we always had to play catch-up to get ourselves back into the game.”

Several Proteas players dropped catches, including 12thman Reeza Hendriks, slip fielder Heinrich Klaasen and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

“Definitely, we had chances, tough chances that we put down,” added Bavuma.

“There were half-chances as well, but they bounced in front of us, maybe we could have been more proactive, getting guys in a bit closer.

“But I guess when the margins are like that, you need things to go your way. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that Australia put in a good display of cricket out there.”

This is the fifth time the Proteas have exited the Cricket World Cup at the semi-final stage.

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