In the records of cricketing history, South Africa's quest for ICC ODI World Cup glory has been marked by both triumphs and heartaches. The latest chapter in this narrative unfolded with yet another commendable campaign that ultimately concluded in semi-final heartbreak for the Proteas. Despite an incredible performance in the Round-Robin stage, winning seven out of nine games, the semi-final proved to be a bridge too far for the South African team.

As the knockout stage started, South Africa faced Australia in the 2^nd semi-final on November 16, 2023, at Eden Gardens. The game started as a one-sided affair, with the Proteas struggling to contain their opponents. The Proteas' batting order, under immense pressure, rose to the occasion. A few quick wickets early on put them on the back foot. They were 24/4, but a couple of resilient partnerships between David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, and Gerald Coetzee kept South Africa in the hunt. As the chase started, Australian batters straight away attacked the South African bowlers, but a couple of quick wickets brought Proteas back in the game. In a remarkable turn of events, the South African bowlers struck back, turning what seemed like a one-sided game into a nail-biting contest. The match that seemed lost was hung in the balance, and every run became crucial.

However, despite their valiant effort, the Proteas fell agonizingly, bringing an end to yet another decent ODI World Cup campaign with heartbreak.

Rewinding the clock to the early days of South Africa's ODI World Cup journey, the team faced adversities, particularly in the decisive years when they were re-admitted to international cricket. The '90s saw the emergence of South Africa as a cricketing force.

The journey began in 1992, when South Africa made its World Cup debut. Emerging from the shackles of international isolation, the Proteas showcased their talent, announcing their arrival on the global stage. However, rain and the infamous rain rule denied them a chance to advance to the semi-finals. Due to the rain interruption, they needed 22 runs from just one ball. This left them with a sense of what might have been.

Seven years later, in 1999, South Africa's World Cup dreams were shattered in a heartbreaking semi-final against Australia. The iconic image of Lance Klusener and Allan Donald's run-out remains stamped in cricketing history, symbolizing both the agony and joy that define the sport. The scores were exactly the same in the semifinal, and the Proteas were eliminated on the league stage performance.

Fast forward to 2007, and the Proteas once again found themselves on the cusp of glory. The tournament in the West Indies showcased the emergence of AB de Villiers and the resilience of a team hungry for success. However, a dramatic tie against Sri Lanka and a subsequent loss in the semi-final left fans with a sense of déjà vu, as the indefinable World Cup title remained mysterious.

The 2015 World Cup brought renewed hope as South Africa reached the semi-finals, only to face an impressive New Zealand side. In a game that will be remembered for Grant Elliott's heroics, the Proteas once again tasted semi-final heartbreak, leaving a nation thirsting for that elusive win. The thriller witnessed some misfields and dropped catches from the South African side. However, the game went to the wire, and Grant Elliott hit a six to Dale Styne when they needed five runs from two balls.

Yet, as fate would have it, the Proteas fell agonizingly short of the target. The semi-final heartbreak repeated itself, adding another chapter to the storied history of South African cricket in ODI World Cups. The resonances of 1992, 1999, 2007, 2015, and 2023 leave fans to believe the fine margins that define cricketing brilliance.