World Cup 2023: Faf du Plessis says he started 'weeping' inconsolably after 2015 semifinal defeat against NZ
Faf du Plessis
Former South African captain Faf du Plessis has revealed that he and several other players cried inconsolably after the team lost the 2015 World Cup semifinal match against New Zealand.
Speaking ahead of the South Africa v New Zealand World Cup league encounter at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium inPune, Du Plessis made the revelation, adding that it was a rare instance in his cricketing career when he wept like that.
“When we were batting first and the rain comes, what people forget to mention is that all their front line bowlers were finished and we were definitely looking for 400. A shortened game brings someone like Brendon McCullum into the game and have a great start. We had one or two chances, it wasn’t all an unlucky game,” Du Plessis told host broadcaster Star Sports.
The match was a rain-curtailed affair. South Africa were stopped in the tracks when they looked all certain to put a 350+ total on the board. As a result, New Zealand were set a total according to the adjustments made under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) system. Riding on Grant Elliot's match-winning knock, NZ got over the line and South Africa had to endure a heartbreaking exit.
“But, after that game ‘oh my word!’, I have never seen a change room so shattered. The last time I cried this much when I saw Lion King as a youngster. After that day I sat and started weeping in the dressing room, I just couldn’t stop crying," said Du Plessis.
)
Trump, Putin kissing in Amsterdam? Pride parade’s ‘couple’ goes viral | WATCH
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How the S-400 turns the sky into a no-fly zone
)
Mysterious structures uncovered beneath the Amazon show millions of humans once lived here
)
‘US is locked and loaded’: Trump calls off Iran attack but sets THESE conditions
)
Did Araghchi agree to open Hormuz to stop Trump’s planned US strikes on Iran? What we know
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
)
Lift accident? Maintenance, builders & makers are ALL liable now, rules Supreme Court: 3 major regulations | WION Decodes
)
US offers $15mn reward to dismantle alleged IRGC drone funding network
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
August 2025 movie release calendar: Toxic, Batwara 1947, Awarapan 2 and all big-ticket films hitting theatres
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Kim Kardashian shares sweet moment with boyfriend Lewis Hamilton during summer vacation
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
India-China reopen Nathu La route, reviving historic Silk Route trade corridor
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Nick Jonas' July photo dump featuring Priyanka Chopra and Malti Marie leaves fans gushing over family bond
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why do iPhones have fewer megapixels than many Android phones?
)
More than 100 Israeli soldiers walk out of base, chant slogans in an 'act of rebellion' | Watch
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
Delhi Consumer Court fines Indian Railways Rs 25,000 for making RAC passengers share one blanket
)
‘Satanic’ chainsaw-wielding rescue bot leaves internet divided: ‘Those eyes are horrifying’
)
Hrithik Roshan reacts to 'sorry Hrithik' trend, Kangana Ranaut slams him, mentions Saba Azad: 'You are in a committed relationship'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
)
At least 3 killed in mass shooting at Idaho restaurant, shocking video of gunman open firing with AR-style rifle surfaces
)
Nearly Rs 29 crore cash, 15 kg gold found at ex-bus driver's house in West Bengal
)
German anatomist 'Dr Death's' family to grant his creepy last wish
)
Ariana Grande's Petal video fuels debate as fans voice concern over her appearance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
"I looked around and saw 8-9 guys absolutely broken. It’s the best game of cricket that I have been part of and also the worst after everything happened."
South Africa vs New Zealand
Four years after that fatefulmatch, the two teams are clashing for the first time in the ODI format. South Africa lost the toss and were put into bat first by Tom Latham. As of the last update, the Proteas had lost captain Temba Bavuma who departed after scoring a brisk 24-run inning.
Playing XIs:
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (w), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand(Playing XI): Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk/c), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Trent Boult
(With inputs from agencies)