Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa’s dismal record in ICC ODI tournament semi-finals continues | Cricket News

South Africa players stand for their national anthem before the start of the Champions Trophy semi-final match against New Zealand. (AP/PTI)

South Africa were beaten by 50 runs in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy by New Zealand in Lahore on Wednesday. In the process, Proteas’ dismal record in knockout stages of big-ticket ODI tournaments continued.
They have now lost five Champions Trophy semi-finals — 2000, 2002, 2006, 2013 and 2025. The Proteas also lost in the semi-finals of the 1992, 2007, 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cups. Additionally, they tied the semi-final of the 1999 ODI World Cup in dramatic fashion.
If that wasn’t enough, South Africa were stopped short on the finish line by India in the final of last year’s T20 World Cup.

A brief look at the disappointments over the years for South Africa:
1999 ODI World Cup

Chasing a target of 214 to defeat Australia at Edgbaston, South Africa felt victory was within reach, thanks to Lance Klusener’s explosive form. With only one run needed and four balls remaining, the dynamic left-hander pushed his team close to triumph.
However, disaster struck on the fourth delivery when Klusener and the last man, Allan Donald, miscommunicated, leaving Donald stranded at the non-striker’s end. In a frantic attempt to make it to the other end, Donald was run out by Adam Gilchrist, and the scores were tied.
The dramatic dismissal sparked wild celebrations among the Australian players, as the tie secured their qualification for the final due to their earlier victory over South Africa in the group stage.
2015 ODI World Cup

In a thrilling moment during the 2015 World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand’s Grant Elliott managed to score 12 runs off Dale Steyn’s final over, eliminating South Africa from the tournament.
Elliott had led a spirited comeback in response to a rain-adjusted target of 298. With just five runs needed from the last two balls, he hit a six off Steyn to clinch the victory by four wickets, following the DLS method.
Steyn collapsed in despair, while Elliott joyfully celebrated his unbeaten 84 runs off 73 balls.
2023 ODI World Cup

After a dazzling tournament, South Africa appeared poised to contend for the title, highlighted by a commanding 134-run victory over Australia. However, they met their match again in the semi-finals against the same opponent.
Playing under overcast skies in Kolkata, South Africa struggled to 212 all out, despite a valiant century from David Miller. While they put up a valiant fight, Australia ultimately prevailed by three wickets, dashing South Africa’s hopes of another title.
South Africa’s record in ICC ODI tournaments‘ semi-finals

South Africa in ICC ODI Tournament semi-finals