South Africa’s Dane Van Niekerk was dejected after the loss but lauded the efforts her of her players. (Source: Reuters)
The South African women’s cricket team lost their semi-final contest against England in a thrilling encounter at Bristol. as a result, the South African side was knocked out of the tournament while England progressed to the final at Lords.
Reflecting on the result South African skipper, Dane Van Niekerk rued the lack of Madiba magic (since it was Nelson Mandela Day) and said that they had a great campaign but did not the magic they needed on the day. I saw the score on the board – and with our bowling attack, anything can happen. We hope we made everyone proud. We needed some Madiba magic, but we didn’t get it today.”, she said.
Complementing the efforts of her players she said, “We thought we were 30 short, but knowing my team, we went out there believing, and I’m really proud of them. You always have to believe that you can win a game of cricket, and I said to them that it was very close. we’ve had a great campaign”
Dane Van Niekerk has been the best bowler in the tournament after picking up more than a dozen wickets. But on the day she failed to take her side over the line.
In the semi-final, England beat South Africa by two wickets. South Africa scored 218 for 6 batting first and England chased down that target with two wickets in hand in 49.5 overs in Bristol on Tuesday.
