‘It was a bloody walloping’: Shukri Conrad on South Africa’s crushing semifinal defeat, says ‘in order to choke, you…’

South Africa coach Shukri Conrad dismissed talk of choking after the semifinal loss to New Zealand, calling it a ‘bloody walloping’ after a one-sided defeat.

Updated on: Mar 5, 2026, 08:10:07 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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South Africa received a hammering from New Zealand in their T20 World Cup semifinal. It wasn't what they expected, given that they beat India in the Super 8 stage and were one of the favourites. Reacting after the win, South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad was brutally honest, calling it a 'bloody walloping.'

Shukri Conrad spoke about SA's heavy defeat. (AFP)

"I don't know if tonight was a choke. I thought it was a bloody walloping. I think in order for you to choke, you must have had a sniff in the game," he said.

Also Read: Suryakumar's balanced India vs Harry Brook's volatile England: Who will win the semi-final in Wankhede?

"We didn't have a sniff. In South Africa, we say we gotmoeredsnotklap,also a South African word meaning a real hiding."

In Afrikaans, a snotklap is a facial expression that makes you look like you've been slapped in the face.

South Africa were sent to bat first, but never really found their momentum. They lost Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton to offspinner Cole McConchie early, and stuttered to 77/5.

"They strangled us up front, we lost wickets and we didn't get any sort of momentum going," Conrad continued.

"A hell of a lot didn't go right tonight, but that was probably enforced because they were so good and they never gave us a sniff. I'm not going to sit here and try and make excuses for a bad night. We weren't good and they were excellent."

Conrad also praised New Zealand and pointed out that the wicket made it tougher for the South Africans. "The calibre of bowling tonight coupled with the wicket made it particularly tough for us and whether you're alluding to it (a lack of calmness) because it's the semi-final, that's why there wasn't the calmness, I don't think it was that," he said.

"New Zealand really were really, really good tonight. They gave us absolutely nothing and they really squeezed particularly well. Their spinners were exceptional in those conditions," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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