BRIDGETOWN, April 28: Dreams shattered, a quick ticket back home and two nations are busy counting losses of a Cricket World Cup win that never was.

Both New Zealand and South Africa, frankly, were shown up as pretenders to the crown as Sri Lanka and Australia stamped their authority in two semi-finals on successive days.

Some of words emanating from two nations reflect the agony.

“We let go a great opportunity pass. It was four years in making and for some guys it was their last opportunity — it's not just a loss, it's something bigger,” said Jacob Oram, star Kiwi all-rounder.”

In South Africa, mood was quite similar. “It was boys against men,” said former Test batsman Adam Bacher on television. “They (Australia) taught us a lesson.”

Former New Zealand wicket-keeper Adam Parore believes Black Caps have been living up a dream all this time.

“If there is a rock in your way, you can talk all you like, but in morning rock is still in your way.

“There was this hope that Australia would have an off-day. Do you really think Ricky Ponting might wake up on morning of World Cup final and decide he's not really up for it?” asked Parore.

Oram rues: “For a team that prides itself on playing in a crisis and putting together partnerships, we had a bad day at worst possible time.”

Former South Africa batsman Daryl Cullinan is clueless as to what prompted team to push self-destruction button in semi-final against Australia.—Agencies