I remember thinking in 1999 that what happened in that semifinal will never happen to South Africa ever again. But it happened again, and we were once again one run short of going further in the World Cup. At the start of the day, not even the most seasoned weatherman in Durban could have predicted a watery grave for South Africa’s World Cup hopes, it was bright and sunny, without a cloud in sight. When the rains came, it was very sudden, and we were scampering around the changing room to get the correct equation. There are targets for every over and for every fall of wickets. We thought 229 was enough in 45 overs, but by the time we realized that one more run was needed, the covers were out.
Mark Boucher had thought that he had done the job, and punched the air as he entered the pavilion, but someone from our balcony shouted to him that we still needed a run. They never went back, and our position in the Super Six was not meant to be. It is dreadful to be part of two tight games, and be on the wrong side of the result on each occasion. You can’t control the weather, and as professional sportsmen we will have to swallow the bitter pill and accept it with the spirit of a sportsman. We will also have to own up to the responsibility of not having done well enough in any of our early games, and that as much as the sad events of Monday, cost us a place in the Super Six.
South Africa just did not take off in this tournament. Was it the expectations of the home crowd, was it the poor form of our bowlers, was it our poor fielding, we can ponder for months without really coming to any conclusion. I must say that I have never seen South Africa field so badly since our return to cricket. We were stiff and unathletic, which resulted in a few dropped chances, something that is very uncharacteristic of our fielders. Losing Jonty Rhodes upfront was a big blow for our fielding. His standards were so high, that the rest of the team used to try and lift themselves to match his level. However, we are pros and should have weathered this loss better.
Our supporters are very distraught at the moment, and there will be plenty of analysis and criticism in the days to come. The home crowd will have to get used to the fact that the World Cup will go on, only South Africa will not be the winners. The crowds have been fantastic so far, and many players from other countries have told me that this has been the best World Cup so far.
Personally, this match signifies the end of my international career, and I will view this Tuesday morning as the first day of my life as a family man. It has been a wonderful 10 years in international cricket, and now it’s time to put my feet up. I will play two more seasons for my province, but my family will be top priority right now. I will miss a World Cup champion medal in my silverware, but the honor of having represented my country in four World Cups will go a long way in making up for that disappointment.
Arab News Sports 6 March 2003
