So far in the 2024 T20 World Cup, South Africa has defied their reputation as ‘chokers’ in ICC tournaments. The Proteas have reached the semi-finals for the second time in the tournament’s nine-edition history. Throughout the competition, they have held their nerve to win critical and close matches. South Africa aims to maintain their strong performance in the semi-final clash against Afghanistan, who are making their knockout stage debut, on June 27 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
South Africa semifinal record in T20 World Cup
| Matches | Wins | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 00 |
The Proteas have a troubled history in the knockout stages of ICC events, often facing heartbreak in crucial moments. Known as one of the unluckiest teams, South Africa has frequently fallen short when it matters most. In the T20 World Cup, they have only reached the semi-finals once, which they lost to India by six wickets in 2013.
Besides that 2013 appearance, they have never advanced to the knockout stage. This time, however, they have an opportunity to shed the ‘chokers’ label and prove their resilience.
| Against | Result | Year |
| India | India won by 6 wickets | 2013 |
T20 WC News
South Africa’s overall semifinal record in ICC events
South Africa did not participate in the ICC World Cup until 1992. When they did make their debut, it was against England in a dramatic semifinal in Sydney that was ruined by bad weather. England won and went on to the final.
In later ICC tournaments, South Africa suffered heartbreaking eliminations, none more renowned than the semifinal match between Australia and South Africa in the 1999 Cricket World Cup, which ended in a draw that sent Australia to the championship match.
Apart from winning a Champions Trophy in 1998, the Proteas are still waiting for their first ICC World Cup trophy.
| Tournament | Opposition | Result |
| ICC ODI World Cup 1992 | England | Lost by 19 runs |
| ICC ODI World Cup 1999 | Australia | Match tied |
| ICC ODI World Cup 2007 | Australia | Lost by 7 wickets |
| ICC T20 World Cup 2009 | Pakistan | Lost by 7 runs |
| ICC T20 World Cup 2014 | India | Lost by 6 wickets |
| ICC ODI World Cup 2015 | New Zealand | Lost by 4 wickets |
| ICC ODI World Cup 2023 | Australia | Lost by 3 wickets |
