Party over, reality dawns: West Indies rue another missed opportunity

It was a depressing Monday morning in the Caribbean after the West Indies crashed out of the men's T20 World Cup it was hosting after a 14-year gap.

A collective dream of millions in the region came crashing after Marco Jansen deposited a full ball from Obed McCoy for a six down the ground to seal a nervy win for South Africa over the tournament co-hosts.

It is difficult to match the frenzied fan following that cricket enjoys in India but if there is any region that comes close to the Asian country, it is the Caribbean.

Across the six World Cup venues, the buzz around the tournament was palpable but the loss on Sunday night has sent the happy-go-lucky fans into their shell.

"It is depressing but the West Indies had it coming. They were poor in all departments last night," said Papios, a police officer who was guarding an almost empty Darren Sammy Stadium ahead of the India-Australia game here.

The stage was set for the West Indies to win a record third T20 World Cup and part of th