ISLAMABAD: South Africa’s journey in ICC tournaments has been a saga of heartbreaks, near misses, and gut-wrenching collapses. Their consistent inability to cross the final hurdle has cemented their reputation as the perennial “chokers” of world cricket.
Time and again, they have fallen at the semifinal stage, sometimes due to misfortune, sometimes due to nerves, but always in a fashion that leaves their fans wondering—what went wrong?
Let’s take a deep dive into South Africa’s most painful ICC knockout exits over the years.
1992 ODI World Cup Semi Final vs England – The rain that was not fair
South Africa’s return to international cricket after decades of isolation was nothing short of a fairytale. Their lightning-quick bowlers and electric fielders made them a force to be reckoned with. However, fate had other plans. In their first-ever World Cup semifinal, rain played the villain, altering the equation from a gettable 22 off 7 balls to an impossible 22 off 1 ball due to a controversial rain rule.
It was not a choke, just sheer bad luck.
1999 ODI World Cup Semi Final vs Australia – The ultimate heartbreak
Perhaps the most gut-wrenching moment in South Africa’s cricketing history. Facing Australia in the Edgbaston semi-final, the Proteas needed nine runs off the final over with Lance Klusener in red-hot form. Two boundaries off the first two balls levelled the scores, but then disaster struck. A mix-up between Klusener and Allan Donald resulted in a run-out.
Match was tied. Australia advanced to the final due to a superior head-to-head record. South Africa, stunned, left heartbroken.
2007 ODI World Cup Semi Final vs Australia – A batting nightmare
A star-studded South African batting lineup, featuring the likes of Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, and Herschelle Gibbs, crumbled under pressure. Bowled out for just 149, they never stood a chance as Australia cruised to victory with nearly 20 overs to spare.
2009 T20 World Cup Semi Final vs Pakistan – The Afridi show
High on confidence after an unbeaten run in the tournament, South Africa were favourites. But Shahid Afridi had other ideas. A crucial half-century and a match-winning spell from him stifled the Proteas, who failed to chase down a modest 150.
Another knockout stage, another exit.
2013 Champions Trophy Semi Final vs England – The choke acknowledged
Collapsing to 80/8, South Africa’s batting imploded in spectacular fashion before limping to 175. England chased it down with ease. Even their coach Gary Kirsten admitted post-match:
“I think we did choke in the game. It’s a dark mist that hangs over South African cricket in knockout events.”
2014 T20 World Cup Semi Final vs India – Kohli’s brilliance
Facing a clinical Indian side led by the in-form batter Virat Kohli, South Africa posted a competitive total. But Kohli, in his prime, made it look effortless, dismantling the Proteas bowling attack and steering India to victory with boundaries galore.
2015 ODI World Cup Semi Final vs New Zealand – Grant Elliott’s last-over heroics
A golden generation of South African cricketers had their best shot at the title. But in a thriller against New Zealand, Grant Elliott turned hero, smashing a six off Dale Steyn with five runs needed off two balls.
Another semifinal, another heartbreak.
2023 ODI World Cup Semi Final vs Australia – The same old story
Dominant in the league stage, South Africa had crushed Australia by 134 runs earlier in the tournament. But in the semi-final, they crumbled under pressure yet again. Despite David Miller’s fighting century, the Aussies found a way, with their tailenders steering them home.
Five World Cup semi-final exits in 50-over cricket. The pain continues.
2024 T20 World Cup Final vs India – A victory thrown away
For the first time, South Africa made it to an ICC final. And it was theirs to win.
Chasing 176, they needed just 30 runs off 30 balls with six wickets in hand. Heinrich Klaasen was in beast mode, having already smashed five sixes, while David Miller was settled at the crease.
Enter Jasprit Bumrah. Two sensational overs. Enter Hardik Pandya. Key wickets at crucial moments.
South Africa, from the verge of victory, fell short by seven runs. Their best chance to erase the ‘choker’ tag? Slipped right through their fingers.
2025 Champions Trophy Semifinal vs New Zealand – The familiar collapse
The Kiwis put up a daunting 362 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, thanks to centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. South Africa, despite a fighting hundred from Miller, failed to keep up with the required run rate and fell 50 runs short.
The curse lives on
Time and again, South Africa finds itself in a winning position only to falter at the finish line. Whether it is bad luck, nerves, or simply fate, the ‘choker’ label refuses to go away.
Will they ever break the curse? Only time will tell.
