ICC Champions Trophy: South Africa's Exit

(Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Last night saw the number one ODI team draw an early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy. The tournament host South Africa faced yet another tournament disappointment when they tasted defeat from England in their final Group B encounter.

In a high scoring affair England came out on top with an excellent batting and fielding display, but South Africa were only 23 runs short of a place in the Semi Finals.

Proteas skipper Greame Smith played a Heroic innings scoring 141 runs but was hit by cramps and failed to take his team to victory. Smith was denied a runner but opposition captain Strauss and had to limp until he was got by Owais Shah.

Many might agree with Strauss decision, but in the good nature of the game it was a poor display of sportsmanship and something that could come back and bite him, as England will be touring South Africa for a Test and ODI series.

Nevertheless South Africa will who failed on many occasions to win a ICC trophy will have to face the world media and will unfairly be tagged "chokers" once again.

A team that has the potential to overhaul major opposition on their, just seem to break down in major events.

Now Smith and his troops will look to prepare for the upcoming season starting with England in November.

Positives from the tournament is the fact that in three games, Smith ended as the Top Batsmen whilst Wayne Parnell finished as the Top Wicket Taker, both which will be toppled in the next few days.

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