When it comes to sports, there are typically two factors that play a crucial role in determining the success and reputation of a team or individual: achieving peak performance at the most opportune moment and faltering under pressure at the least suitable time. South Africa's cricket team is particularly notorious for the latter aspect, as they have been labelled as "chokers" since their reentry into the sport in 1992.
Similar to any other team, the South African cricket side has experienced both successes and failures. Overall, the cricketing scene in the country, along with the calibrecaliber of players it has produced, has been of exceptional quality. Renowned figures such as Allan Donald, Lance Klusener, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, and Dale Steyn have all been regarded as "world-class."
Regarding this matter, Temba Bavuma, the current captain of the South African team, acknowledged, "As a South African team, we know we're going to have that chip on our block, or that narrative that we have to get over. That's always going to be there until we win a trophy."
South Africa's most notable achievement so far is their victory in the Champions Trophy in 1998.
Nevertheless, there is a term that has long been linked to the national team: "chokers." They have gained a reputation as "chokers" due to multiple instances of falling short, particularly in crucial stages of global competitions. While some of these outcomes can be attributed to unfortunate circumstances, many others are a consequence of their own mistakes.
But what exactly does this term signify, and how did it originate?
Semifinal exit in 1992
Their streak of misfortune started during the semifinals of the 1992 World Cup. While chasing a target of 253 runs within 45 overs, they were in a promising position, needing only 22 runs from the final 13 balls. Unfortunately, due to a rain delay, their target was revised to an unattainable 22 runs from just one ball, resulting in their elimination from the tournament. This incident sparked considerable controversy regarding the calculation methods for rain delays.
Semifinal exit in 1999
In their pursuit of a target of 214 runs to win, Lance Klusener, a versatile player for the Proteas, displayed remarkable skill and determination. He swiftly scored 31 runs off just 16 balls, forming a crucial partnership with tailenders Elworthy and Allan Donald, which brought South Africa to a position where losing seemed highly unlikely. Klusener's consecutive boundary hits off the first two balls of the final over, with the Proteas needing 9 runs to win and only one wicket remaining, made it seem like a mere formality to secure a single run and advance to the final.
However, the Australian team refused to surrender and intensified the pressure. Klusener declined a single when Donald called for it on the third ball. Consequently, Donald became fixated on the ball and failed to react as Klusener made contact with the fourth delivery and sprinted for a run, only to realise that Australia was celebrating as the match ended in a tie. Ultimately, Australia progressed to the final due to a superior net run rate at the conclusion of the Super Six stage.
Group stage exit in 2003
In 2003, South Africa encountered rain-related problems once again, but this time they were partially responsible due to a misunderstanding of the Duckworth-Lewis calculations. The team management communicated the D/L par score to the batsmen, Mark Boucher and his partner, but they mistakenly believed it to be the score needed for victory instead of the adjusted target score. Consequently, after comfortably reaching that score, Boucher opted to simply block the last ball before rain interrupted the match. When the rain subsided, the scores were tied according to the D/L method, leading to South Africa's elimination from the group stage.
Semifinal exit in 2007
Glenn McGrath dealt a significant blow to South Africa's aspirations in the semi-final of the 2007 World Cup, making crucial breakthroughs within the initial ten overs of the match. Consequently, the Proteas' innings came to an end with a total of 149 runs. Australia, having a comfortable target to pursue, successfully chased down the score without encountering much difficulty.
Quarterfinal exit in 2011
The Proteas experienced additional disappointment in the 2011 tournament. During their quarterfinal match against New Zealand, they were making progress towards chasing a score of 222, reaching 121/3 in the 28th over. Unfortunately, JP Duminy got bowled by Nathan McCullum, and shortly after, Faf du Plessis accidentally ran out the established AB de Villiers in the following two balls. The Kiwis made sure to taunt him about it, and as a result, South Africa's performance deteriorated, leading to them being all out for 172 and having to return home.
Semifinal exit in 2015
In the semifinal of the 2015 match, South Africa faced New Zealand once more. South Africa had a strong advantage, having scored 281/5 in 43 overs due to rain affecting the match duration. Initially, the Kiwis were struggling at 149/4, but Grant Elliott and Corey Anderson's partnership for the 5th wicket, worth 103 runs, revived their chances. With 12 runs needed to win off the last over, Dale Steyn managed to reduce the equation to 5 runs off 2 balls. Unfortunately, Elliott crushed Steyn's delivery over the long-on boundary for a six, shattering the hopes of South Africa and repeating their heartbreaking defeat.
Semifinal exit in 2023
Once again in 2023, South Africa reached the semifinals but fell short of reaching their first-ever final. Opting to bat first against Australia, South African supporters were dismayed as their team struggled and slipped to a score of 24/4, progressing at a slow rate. However, David Miller, batting at number six, played a remarkable innings and scored a century, enabling South Africa to post a competitive total of 212 on a turning pitch in Kolkata.
In response, Australian openers Travis Head and David Warner got off to a blazing start, accumulating 60 runs in just six overs. Notwithstanding, South Africa fought back courageously and managed to dismiss them, reducing Australia to 137/5. But then, Josh Inglis and Steve Smith started to steadily chase down the target.
After Gerald Coetzee dismissed both Smith and Inglis, it appeared that the South African team still had a chance to turn the tide. Yet, their hopes were ultimately extinguished by the eighth-wicket pair of Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins. Their unbeaten partnership of 20 runs propelled Australia into yet another World Cup final.