8 Instances when South Africa choked in ICC events

1. ODI World Cup 1999 vs Australia

This was the first time ever that South Africa choked, quite literally. They faced Australia in the semi-finals in Birmingham. The Proteas won the toss and put Australia into bat first. The Steve Waugh-led side could not have that big of an impact in the first innings, other than the middle-order batters’ show, which included the skipper himself.

Australia were all out for 213 runs in 49.2 overs. South Africa’s start to the chase was decent and the openers shared a composed 48-run stand before Shane Warne sent both of them packing.

South African batters struggled to score and in the 22^nd over, they lost their fourth wicket having scored 60 odd runs. Middle-order batters Jacques Kallis and Jonty Rhodes played the anchor’s role alongside Lance Klusener who remained unbeaten till the end while every other batter perished.

But interestingly, the Proteas lost their tenth wicket when they needed just one run to win and as a result, the game was tied. Since Australia had beaten South Africa in the group stage, they moved forward in the competition and South Africa faced one of their worst possible exits.