Some things never change: South Africa crumble under semifinal pressure once again
India Today
SA vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals: South Africa's familiar batting frailties resurfaced at the worst possible time as fans on X tore into the Proteas following another crushing collapse in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal in Kolkata.
South Africa's batting collapse in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against New Zealand sparked a wave of reaction on social media, with fans quick to point out that the Proteas had once again failed to deliver when it mattered most.
SA vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal: Live Updates | Scorecard
Having gone through the tournament unbeaten, many had tipped this Proteas side as favourites to go all the way. But a familiar story unfolded at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, as New Zealand dismantled their batting lineup to leave fans exasperated.
The reaction on X was swift and ruthless. One fan summed up the mood perfectly, writing that South Africa do not just lose but perform a masterpiece in self-destruction. Others were more sympathetic, insisting that the Proteas would not give up without a fight.
With the match still in the balance, one fan suggested that a total of 160 on this pitch would be competitive. Another struck a more bullish tone, arguing that if South Africa could defend their total at Kolkata, they would be worthy champions.
The optimism, however, was in short supply as the innings wore on.
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