London: Faf du Plessis admitted South Africa’s limp World Cup exit was embarrassing as the furious captain branded his under-performing team “mediocre” and challenged them to take responsibility for their disastrous showing.
The Proteas cannot qualify for the semi-finals after slumping to a 49-run defeat against fellow strugglers Pakistan at Lord’s on Sunday.
With two games to play, South Africa have failed to make the knockout stages for only the second time.
The tame manner of their elimination was tough for Du Plessis to swallow as he watched his side struggle to 259-9 in response to Pakistan’s 308-7.
Pakistan kept alive their slender hopes of making the semifinals while knocking South Africa out of the ICC World Cup with a 49-run win at London on Sunday. Batting first, the 1992 champions posted 308 for seven with Haris Sohail’s 59-ball 89 being the highlight of their innings. In reply, South Africa were stopped at 259 for nine in 50 overs.
With just three points from seven outings, South Africa are out of the tournament while Pakistan could still sneak into the semifinals, provided they win their remaining matches and other results go in their favour.
Earlier, Sarfaraz Ahmed won the toss and elected to bat first. Pakistan had made two changes: Haris Sohail has come in for Shoaib Malik and Shaheen Afridi replaces Hasan Ali.
