Image: Reuters

South Africa's agonizing past at ICC events

By Prakhar Sachdeo

Published June 27,  2024

CNBC-TV18.com

Image: Twitter 

1992 ODI World Cup SF v ENG

SA needed 22 off 7 balls when rain came down. The target was then revised to 22 off just 1 ball thanks to the "rain-rule" system. It put the target beyond SA's reach. 

Image: Twitter 

1996 ODI World Cup QF v WI

SA were favourites against West Indies in the QF. But Brian Lara's maiden ODI hundred inflicted a 19-run defeat on the Proteas.

Image: Reuters

1999 ODI World Cup SF vs Australia 

Lance Klusner took South Africa within touching distance of a place in the final. But a mix-up with Allan Donald led SA to their most painful loss in cricket. 

Image: Reuters

2007 ODI World Cup SF vs Australia

South Africa were bowled out on just 149. Australia finished the game off with nearly 20 overs to spare

Image: Reuters

2009 T20 World Cup SF vs Pakistan 

Shahid Afridi's fifty and spell of 2/16 halted South Africa's chage! 

Image: Reuters

2011 ODI World Cup QF vs New Zealand 

SA failed to chase down 222 against NZ. At 108/3 in 25 overs, SA looked set to cruise to victory but then lost next 7 wickets for 64 runs.

Image: Reuters

2014 T20 World Cup SF vs India

SA's semifinal curse continued. SA scored 172/4. India's Virat Kohli hit unbeaten 72 to dump South Africa out of the tournament. 

Image: Reuters

2015 ODI World Cup SF vs New Zealand 

SA batted first and scored 281/5. In response, NZ's Grant Elliot played the knock of his lifetime (84 off 73) to knock-out SA out of the tournament.

Image: ICC

2022 T20 World Cup Super 12 vs Netherlands

SA were a win away from a place in the semis. But the team choked, suffering a 13-run shock defeat at the hands of a spirited Netherlands side.

Image: ICC

2023 ODI World Cup SF vs Australia 

In this crucial last-four game, South Africa meekly surrendered to AUS, for their fifth semifinal exit in 50-over World Cups.