As Jasprit Bumrah prepared to deliver the final ball of the 18th over in South Africa’s run chase on Saturday, Keshav Maharaj’s mind must have been consumed by survival. It is unlikely that he was thinking about past World Cup heartbreaks such as Allan Donald’s dropped bat in 1999, the rain in Durban in 2003, or Grant Elliott’s game-winning knock in 2015.
At that crucial moment, Maharaj's sole focus would have been on staying in the game. This was pivotal because it marked the moment South Africa lost the T20 World Cup final to India. Maharaj, after poking the ball into the covers, instinctively set off for a run, resulting in David Miller, the last recognised batter, being off strike for the start of the 19th over with 20 runs still needed. This moment also raises the question whether the Proteas, once again, succumbed to pressure in a critical situation.
The label of "choking" has long been associated with a South African team that has produced some of the best white-ball batters, seamers, and the most successful Test captain in history. This tag will continue to haunt them until they secure a World Cup title.
However, aside from Maharaj’s lapse, there were no other significant mistakes by the South African team that could be classified as a choke. While there were errors, such as Marco Jansen’s sloppy bowling, Aiden Markram's edge to a wide ball, Quinton de Kock’s mistimed shot, Heinrich Klaasen’s swipe at a slower ball, and Miller’s failure to hit a low full toss for six, these were all cricketing incidents common in close games. To label every narrow defeat as a choke is simplistic and unfair, diminishing the role of the opposition in their victory.
India’s performance was exceptional. Jasprit Bumrah was unstoppable, Virat Kohli displayed genius, their spinners were magical, and Shivam Dube hit sixes effortlessly. Had it not been for a collapse in the previous year’s 50-over World Cup final against Australia, Rohit Sharma’s team might be hailed as one of the best ever.
India dominated the World Cup, setting a challenging target for South Africa that would have been a record chase both at Kensington Oval and in a T20 World Cup final. Despite the WinViz predictor giving South Africa a 45% chance at the start, chasing 177 against India’s formidable attack was always going to be tough. South Africa got close by defying expectations, taking on India’s slow bowlers, and with Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen delivering exceptional performances. This match was a testament to South Africa’s resilience in the biggest game of their lives.
There is hope that this current South African team could break the cycle of heartbreak. With a white-ball World Cup every two years and limited Test cricket, there is a chance that under Aiden Markram, they can achieve glory. The presence of a strong domestic league and continuous participation in the IPL will ensure a steady stream of talent.
While the potential for future success is promising, the pain of this loss is undeniable. However, this time, South Africa was not the architect of its own downfall. They fought valiantly against a formidable opponent and almost achieved victory. There is no shame in losing with pride, and it is unfair to reduce this defeat to a tired, inaccurate cliché.