KOLKATA- The Proteas’ Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final at India’s iconic Kolkata Eden Gardens had Mzansi on the edge of their seats.

South Africa had all eyes on the Proteas, given the history of heartbreak in four previous semi-finals, including gut-wrenching losses to Australia in ’99 and ’07.

Australia narrowly defeated the Proteas, but South Africans showed undying support for the national cricket team.

South Africa hoped for CWC 2023 win

The Proteas have reached the CWC semi-finals five times, including in 2023. According to Reuters, the Proteas have lost to Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand.

Protea fans were buzzing on X during their game with Australia, caught between the hope for a breakthrough. Cricket fans in South Africa had lingering doubt from past disappointments.

Proteas CWC 2023 game vs Australia stressed SA

South Africa’s CWC game against Australia was a close one. The Proteas team, with Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and others, came close to getting over the semi-final hurdle. The Aussie cricket team got three runs over them at 215 runs.

South Africa, still raring to go from the Springboks’ rugby World Cup victory, supported the national cricket team with #ProteaFire on X/ Twitter. There was a mix of emotions swirling around Mzansi as the Cricket action went down in India. A Proteas supporter, @zamaswati could see their loss coming.

Proteas showered with love

Amidst the Protea’s struggle in the CWC 2023 semi-final, there was an incredible blend of light-heartedness and passion poured in from netizens. Some Protea fanatics held onto hope for the Proteas until the last minute.

What do you think the SA cricket team could do better?

Better luck next time, Proteas!