Though the battle-scarred Proteas failed in their mission to win an elusive first World Cup, they were able to return home with much of their pride intact after going down fighting in a gripping semifinal.
Cricket can be a cruel game and captain Temba Bavuma and his team were put through the wringer before their World Cup dreams were crushed by an efficient Australian line-up.
After losing early wickets after opting to bat first, Bavuma's men were always under the pump in the red-hot cauldron of a World Cup semifinal.
In difficult batting conditions, the Aussies hit the ground running and the early departure of star batsman Quinton de Kock did not help SA's cause.
With wickets tumbling like ninepins, SA were reduced to 24/4 after 12 overs and for a while it appeared as though the Proteas were once again choking on the big stage.
David Miller, however, had other ideas and spared SA's blushes with a defiant century.
Thanks largely to Miller SA registered a below-par total of 212 which Australia chased down with 16 balls to spare.
Though the Proteas buckled under pressure at previous tournaments, most critics agreed SA fought bravely to defend a small total before Australia won by three wickets.
Despite their being more World Cup semifinal heartache for SA, coach Rob Walter says a platform has been laid for the future.
He says a core group of players exceeded expectations despite his team exiting the World Cup for a fifth in the semifinals.
SA will co-host the next 50-over finals with Namibia and Zimbabwe in 2027 and Walter believes there is much room for optimism after they arrived in India with little expectation of success.
Though wicketkeeper-batsman De Kock has announced he will retire from the 50-over format, Walter will have a strong nucleus of players to chose from.
Former SA fast bowler Dale Steyn, who lost in the semifinals in 2015, also believes there is cause for optimism.
He feels there will be some question marks, but overall SA did well to reach the semifinals without injured fast bowler Anrich Nortjé.
Walter must ensure the Proteas emerge battle-hardened after another failed shot at World Cup glory.
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