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November 6 - Even though the South African national cricket team didn't make it
to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in India, losing to the West Indies by
34 runs, Cricket South Africa's chief executive, Gerald Majola welcomed the Proteas home with
open arms.
Speaking at Johannesburg International Airport on Saturday upon the teams
arrival, Majola sang the team's praises, commending them for a magnificent
performance at the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy
Said Majola, 'The way the Proteas played showed the cricket world that the team has got great
heart and determination to succeed, and proved that they can play as a tight,
cohesive unit.'
The Proteas held their own in their semi-final match until they came up against
West Indies batsman, Chris Gayle who, to quote Majola, 'was more like a force
ten hurricane than a gale' and went on to bat an impressive 133 not out, leading
the Windies to victory.
When interviewed, Proteas captain Graeme Smith said that the team had showed a
lot of character and that most of the players shone when they needed to. He denied
that South Africa had 'choked' but said that they had been stumped by one man, namely Chris
Gayle.
'We beat two sub-continental teams in their own backyard including
Sri Lanka who were the favourites to win the tournament. We handled the pressure
very well as well as applied pressure when necessary,' said Smith.
Later this month the Indian cricket team will arrive in South Africa to face the Proteas in three Tests and five one-day internationals (ODIs).
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