20 Jun 2013

Proteas coach admits they choked in semi-final

8:03 am on 20 June 2013

South Africa's departing cricket coach Gary Kirsten has freely admitted his team choked in losing their Champions Trophy semi-final to the hosts England by seven wickets.

The Proteas did well to reach 175 after they'd crashed to 80 for eight, and England achieved their target with seven wickets to spare.

It was South Africa's eighth last-four loss out of nine they've played in major tournaments.

Kirsten, who's stepping down after two years in charge, says he's used the "horrible word" choker in team meetings but it hasn't healed their mental scars.

India and Sri Lanka meet in the second semi-final in Cardiff.