Cricket World Cup Results: Same old South Africa

World Cup Betting / Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 25 March 2011 /

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Just not cricket. Worsd are exchanged after the run-out of AB De Villiers.

"South Africa had New Zealand at 5-1 and 16-2 before a fine partnership between Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder helped them to reach 221-8. At the change of innings South Africa were trading at around 1.27 to chase a total that looked a good 30 runs short of a par score on a decent wicket."

South Africa crashed out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage at the hands of New Zealand and it was an all-too familiar story as to how it happened.

They say history has a habit of repeating itself. And so it proved once again this afternoon as an extremely strong South African side on paper blew away a fantastic chance of winning the Cricket World Cup.

And once again, they did so from a very strong position. South Africa had New Zealand at 5-1 and 16-2 before a fine partnership between Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder helped them to reach 221-8. At the change of innings South Africa were trading at around 1.27 to chase a total that looked a good 30 runs short of a par score on a decent wicket.

South Africa got off to an unlucky start when the in-form Hashim Amla was caught at slip after his late cut rebounded off keeper Brendon McCullum's boot into the grateful hands of captain Daniel Vettori. But at 108-2, with Jacques Kallis and AB De Villiers well set, there was certainly no excuse for not chasing down the modest total. At this stage the Proteas traded at [1.07] with New Zealand hitting [14.0] In-Play.

What happened next was a familiar story for South Africa fans. Jacques Kallis fell to a fine catch in the deep and AB De Villiers was run out, which sparked an ugly exchange of words between players from both sides as the New Zealand fielders goaded Francois Du Plessis, who had been responsible for the wicket-keeper's dismissal. A combination of smart bowling and good fielding accounted for the next few wickets and Du Plessis threatened to take his side close but with just tail-enders for company, he was forced to play one shot too many and he fell cutting straight to backward point. The chances of another twist in the tale went with him.

Graeme Smith's men traded at a low of 3.85 for the tournament whilst AB De Villiers was backed at 4.0 for top bat and Imran Tahir at 5.0 for top bowler honours.

New Zealand are [7.8] to make the most of South Africa's self-destruction and go on and win the competition. They will play the winner of Sri Lanka v England in the next round.

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