West Indies agonizingly crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy after their final group game against South Africa ended in a thrilling tie.
The Duckworth-Lewis method took precedent again as rain reduced the match to just 31 overs each, before cruelly coming down heavily again in the 27th over with the West Indies one run short of the par score which would have taken them to the semifinals.
Instead, it is South Africa, who know all about pain when it comes to the Duckworth-Lewis method, that join India in the final four of the Champions Trophy.
West Indies were on 190 for six in 26.1 overs when the umpires, with the rain lashing down, decided to call off play. The final ball of the innings turned out to be the difference-maker, with Kieron Pollard (28 in 23) caught at third man by Dale Steyn off Ryan McLaren.
The West Indies were ahead of the Duckworh-Lewis par score before Pollard's wicket tilted the balance in South Africa's favour.
"I can say I'm disappointed with how the game ended, but I'm not disappointed over what the umpires did," West Indies skipper Dwayne Bravo said. "They have a job to do and they do it to the best of their ability.
"We as players are not sure what decision they made. I think it would have been fair for both teams and to the fans and to the tournament if that extra ball had been bowled or something like that.
"But I've got to give credit to both teams. South Africa batted very well, and my guys, the way how we went out there and the run chase, we always thought that 230-odd on a small ground with a fast outfield, we always back ourselves actually to get right back into the game.
"Up until the last, up to when Kieron got out, we were right there within striking range. So, disappointed we didn't go all the way, but I must say I give credit to all my guys.
"They played very well. We should be proud of ourselves but we have struggled in this tournament, and we are just looking forward to building some momentum and trying to build a stronger one-day team."
After the match was delayed by a few hours, South Africa made 230 for six in their allotted 31 overs, with Colin Ingram impressing with a 63-ball 73.
The West Indies did not begin too well, losing Johnson Charles and then the dangerous Chris Gayle; but looked on course with Marlon Samuels (48 in 38) playing a good hand.
However, fate was to deal them a raw hand in the end as Pollard's wicket off what turned out to be the last ball of the match, firmly swung the pendulum South Africa's way.
"It feels great," Proteas captain AB De Villiers said. "We've been on the wrong side of these kind of matches in the past quite a few times, and I've been part of a few teams that's been on the wrong side of these kind of matches.
"Very happy. What makes me more happy is I thought we played really good cricket most of the game today, and the way the bowlers stuck together as a unit there was really great, so I pushed on each of the bowlers quite a few times today, and they all really did well and handled the pressure really well."
