The South African cricket team has been labeled as "chokers" due to their repeated failures to win crucial matches in high-stakes tournaments, particularly in the knockout stages of major international competitions like the ICC Cricket World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy.
Former South Africa Dale Steyn said “It’s emotional down here. We’re into a final.”
Graeme Smith said: “We’re in the Finals.”
- 1992 Cricket World Cup: In the semi-final against England, South Africa was in a strong position but was affected by an unfair rain rule, leaving them with an impossible target of 22 runs off 1 ball due to a rain delay.
- 1999 Cricket World Cup: South Africa tied with Australia in the semi-final. They needed just one run to win with four balls remaining but ended up getting run out, resulting in Australia advancing to the final based on a superior net run rate.
- 2003 Cricket World Cup: Playing at home, South Africa miscalculated the Duckworth-Lewis target during a rain-affected match against Sri Lanka. Believing they had achieved the required score, they stopped playing for runs and ended up tying the match, which led to their elimination from the tournament.
- 2007 Cricket World Cup: South Africa lost in the semi-final to Australia in a one-sided match, where they were bowled out for a low score and never really challenged their opponents.
- 2015 Cricket World Cup: In another semi-final, South Africa lost to New Zealand in a closely contested match that went down to the final over.
