South Africa, in the cricketing map, is one of the most prominent countries. South Africa has gifted some of the greatest cricketers to grace the sport and they’ve been a part of some of the most iconic cricketing moments. With all the world-class players and numerous accolades, one would expect SA to have a few ICC titles in their bag by now but quite surprisingly they haven’t won even one. They have been termed the ‘favorites’ walking into the tournament numerous times only to be handed disappointment. The story has been similar in almost all the formats. Since the T20 World Cup is going on currently, let’s discuss the shortcomings of South Africa in the previous editions of World Cup despite having well-rounded squads.
South Africa in T20 World Cups
There have been 7 completed editions of the T20 World Cup (previously known as World T20). South Africa haven’t quite played at their full potential in any of those editions and luck has also not been in their favor. Their best performances came in 2009 and 2014 where they finished as semi-finalists. In all other editions, they have been relegated from the second round.
South Africa began their T20 World Cup journey by hosting the inaugural edition in 2007. After defeating Bangladesh and Windies in the first round, the Proteas moves into the Super 8s. South Africa’s misfortune came into play during the Super 8s as they failed to make the semi-finals despite having same number of points as India and New Zealand but missing out due to inferior net run rate.
South Africa, in the next World Cup 2009, finished as the semi-finalists. After winning both the matches in the first round, South Africa were pitted in the same group with West Indies, India and England during the Super 8s round. South Africa walked into the semi-finals defeating all three of those teams. Their merry run came to a halt in the semis as they lost to the eventual winners Pakistan by just 7 runs in a closely-fought match.
2010 was a forgettable edition for the Proteas as they could win only one match in the Super 8s. But their performance in the 2012 edition was even worse. They went on to lose all three matches of the Super 8s round although they were in positions to win two of them. They lost against Pakistan by 2 wickets and to add insult to the injury, they lost gainst India by 1 run.
The next tornamnet in 2014 held in Bangladesh was the first with 16 teams and South Africa made their way into the semis this time around. After3 wins in 4 matches at the Super 10s rouns, they had to face an in-form Indian side in the semi-final. The Proteas were well and truly on their on their path to glory until a certain ‘Virat Kohli Masterclass’ hit them with 72*(44).
South Africa have failed to make it to the semi-finals in the next two T20 World Cups after 2014 because of some dismal performances and some abysmal misfortune. They failed to defend 229 against England during the 2016 edition and eventually finished third in the group points table failing to qualify for the knockouts. They again missed the semi-final spot due to weaker net run rate in the 2021 edition too.
South Africa in 2022 T20 World Cup
This year South Africa haven’t been tagged as the favorites but they certainly have enough firepower in their squad to topple their oppositions. Along with good form, the Proteas would also be hoping for some good fortune.
South Africa vs Zimbabwe Match Report
Today’s match is a prime example displaying why South Africa is a team low on fortune. The rain played spoilsport and that too in such a way that only the possibility of a few more deliveries would have ensured a win for them but it wasn’t to be.
Initially, the rain curtailed the match to 9-overs a side. Zimbabwe were reduced to 19/4 in the 4th over thanks to fiery spells from Parnell and Ngidi. Then, Madhevere and Shumba added 60 runs for the 5th wicket to take the final score to 79 in 9 overs.
After another drizzle before the second innings the target was readjusted to 64 in 7 overs. South Africa got off to a brilliant start and were about to chase it down with ease but the rain gods had other intentions. Quinton De Kock blazed to 47 off 18 and South Africa were only 13 runs away from victory before rian stopped the proceedings once again and no further play was possible. Zimbabwe were lucky to walk away with a point from this match as they get ready to face Pakistan on the 27th.South Africa were stripped off a point because of rain which could possibly spoil their chances of qualifying to the knockouts. They next play Bangladesh on 27th October as they’d be wishing for the rain gods to have some mercy on them.
