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'Did Not Look Very Good..,' Ex South Africa Cricketer Dale Steyn Expresses Surprise

image-lp2aeuvxSouth Africa lost to Australia in the World Cup 2023 semi-final [AP Photo]

Appearing in their fifth World Cup semi-final, South Africa, yet again, faltered and faced defeat at the hands of Australia in the knockout clash on Thursday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

In a low-scoring semi-final, South Africa folded for 212 as David Miller slammed 101 after the Proteas top-order collapsed. In reply, Australia scraped past the finish line in the 47th over, following a spirited performance from their South African spinners and Gerald Gerald Coetzee, who made things hard for the finalists. 

Reflecting back on South Africa's World Cup campaign, former Proteas speedster Dale Steyn stated how despite being strong, Temba Bavuma and Co. could cross the penultimate hurdle.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Steyn stated how he personally did not think that South Africa would reach the top 4 given the unavailability of Anrich Nortje. 

Here's what Steyn said:

"I did not think that without Anrich Nortje, South Africa were going to make it to the semi-final and 2 games into the series before this World Cup, they did not look very good either. But they won the final three, gained some momentum and came into the tournament. I think overall, they finished where they were expected - semi-finals." 

The fast bowler did highlight positives for South Africa, which included the form of bowlers and batters during different stages of the tournament. 

"If you look at the stats ate the end of the day, everyone in the South Africa top 6 got a hundred. Whenever South Africa batted first they won huge. The defeated the defending World Champions by almost 300 runs and that does not happen by fluke. 

"Look at the bowlers. Gerald Coetzee has taken 20 wickets, and Kagiso Rabada has been fantastic throughout the tournament. He stepped up in the tournament. So, when you look overall, South Africa will think that they ticked all the boxes they wanted to but they just did not get over the line in the semi-final. They are going to look back at their chasing."

South Africa's next international assignment will be against India, when the Men in Blue travel to the African nation for a full-fledged tour.