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Dale Steyn Reflects On South Africa's Heartbreaking Defeat From World Cup 2015

image-loy0zzgnNew Zealand literally floored South Africa in Eden Park (x.com)

South Africa look all set to clash off against Australia in the second semi-final match of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition at Eden Gardens on Thursday. The Proteas have made a strong statement in this tournament and have done well to answer their critics who at first did not consider them as hot favorites. Nevertheless, the powerful cricketing giant from Africa has the best chance of grabbing their maiden World Cup title and burying the ghosts of 1999, 2007, and 2015.

While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, the former Proteas paceman Dale Steyn outlined his side’s overall mood when they were knocked out of the 2015 World Cup following a nerve-racking run-chase against the BlackCaps. Steyn claimed that it took his side almost 24 hours to get over that heartbreak and did not talk about it later on.

"I think we dealt with it really well in that 24 hours, and then we went home and everyone went our own way. But getting together the next time as a South African team and walking back to the dressing room, I felt like we hadn't spoken about what happened few months ago. And we needed to make sure that that elephant was out of that room. It was certainly still in the room for what I felt was a long time."

Their dreams were shattered when the South-African-born Grant Elliot launched a scathing six over deep mid-wicket against the bowling of Dale Steyn which powered New Zealand to their maiden World Cup final appearance.

The 40-year-old further admitted that the team was demoralized after that result but they pulled themselves up and realized that such events are inevitable in the field of sports. Steyn learned how young athletes should always look to accept wins and defeats rationally.

At present, a stiff challenge lies ahead of the Proteas as they look to square off against Australia this time in their ninth semi-final appearance who are oozing with loads of confidence following their unbelievable win against Afghanistan in Mumbai.