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SA Coach Calls Semis Loss "Bloody Walloping," Not a Choke

South Africa's T20 World Cup campaign ended with a heavy nine-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the semi-final. Head coach Shukri Conrad bluntly dismissed suggestions of a choke, stating his team was simply outplayed in every department. He highlighted positives from the tournament, including strong performances from captain Aiden Markram and the pace attack. New Zealand, powered by Finn Allen's century, advanced to the final with a dominant display.

Key Points: SA Coach Conrad: T20 WC Loss Was a "Bloody Walloping"

  • SA's unbeaten run ended
  • Finn Allen's record century
  • Conrad proud of campaign
  • NZ dominates to reach final
  • Markram, Ngidi were standouts
2 min read

T20 WC: 'It wasn't a choke, it was a bloody walloping,' says SA head coach Conrad after semis defeat

South Africa's coach Shukri Conrad dismissed "choke" claims after a heavy T20 WC semi-final defeat to New Zealand, calling it a "proper snot klaaped."

T20 WC: 'It wasn't a choke, it was a bloody walloping,' says SA head coach Conrad after semis defeat
"I don't know if tonight was a choke. I thought it was a bloody walloping. - Shukri Conrad"

Kolkata, March 5

South Africa's head coach Shukri Conrad made no excuses after his side crashed out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with a comprehensive nine-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the first semi-final played at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

The Proteas entered the knockout clash riding a seven-match unbeaten run in the tournament, but New Zealand produced a dominant display to secure a place in the final. Opener Finn Allen smashed a record-breaking century as the Blackcaps chased down a target of 171 runs in just 12.5 overs, leaving South Africa with no answer.

When asked after the match whether South Africa had once again succumbed to pressure on the big stage, Conrad dismissed the suggestion and instead admitted his team had simply been outplayed in all departments.

"I don't know if tonight was a choke. I thought it was a bloody walloping. We got our arses kicked," Conrad admitted in the post-match press conference.

"I think in order for you to choke, you must have had a sniff in the game. We didn't have a sniff. In South Africa, we say we'd get moered. Tonight, we got a proper snot klaaped, also a South African word meaning a real hiding," he added.

Despite the heavy defeat, Conrad insisted the Proteas had several positives to take from their campaign. Captain Aiden Markram was among the tournament's standout performers with 286 runs, while pacers Lungi Ngidi (12 wickets), Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen (11 wickets each) also featured prominently among the leading wicket-takers.

Conrad believes critics will focus solely on the semi-final loss, but he maintained that his players had produced plenty of memorable moments throughout the tournament.

"I think there'll be enough people that are going to be jumping on the bandwagon, but yeah, we did so many special things. I'm so proud of these guys," he said.

"I don't think many people gave us much of a chance of even getting into a semi-final when we left the shores, given our form before that.

"But that's no consolation or anything like that. Look, I mean, I think it's cue the abuse now. There'll be enough of it," Conrad concluded.

South Africa's exit once again ended their hopes of winning a T20 World Cup trophy, while New Zealand will now turn their focus to the summit clash on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan watching in India, you have to feel for SA. They always seem to carry this burden. But Conrad is right, this wasn't a choke. New Zealand were simply magnificent. Allen's innings was a masterclass.
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Rohit P
"Snot klaaped" 😂 Love the local slang! But seriously, chasing 171 in under 13 overs at Eden Gardens? That's insane hitting. Our bowlers in the final better have a plan for Allen. NZ looking very dangerous.
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Priya S
It's a bit sad, no? The narrative will always be about SA losing a knockout, not about NZ winning brilliantly. They had a great tournament until this one bad day. Markram was superb throughout.
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Aman W
With all respect to Coach Conrad, calling it a "walloping" doesn't change the fact that the team selection for the semis felt defensive. Where was the aggressive intent from the start? They played not to lose, and NZ punished them.
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Nisha Z
Excited for the final at Narendra Modi Stadium! Hope it's a cracker. NZ deserve their spot, but honestly, my heart is with whichever team comes from the other semi-final. 🇮🇳🤞

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