When Graeme Smith won the toss this morning, he had a smile on his face. He thought it was probably his best chance to shed the tag of ‘CHOKER’ which South Africa is carrying from last 15 years. But within 10 overs his dream turned into nightmare when South Africa slumped to 27/5. Justin Kemp fought against the tide but was left stranded on 49, as South Africa bundled out in just 149. Langeveldt gave a good start to South Africa by taking a wicket of Gilchrist on very first ball of his over. But Ponting, Clark and Hayden were tough enough for South Africa’s resistance and finished the target in just 31.3 overs at the expense of just 3 wicket.
Once again South Africa choked in the World Cup despite having good ODI record ( was a top ODI team for a brief period during World Cup).
During the start of this world cup everybody were branding South Africa as Choker but Graeme Smith and Mick Arthur defended very well and convinced everyone that time has changed and they are step closer to bury the tag of Choker.
In 1992 in Australia, South Africa needed tough 22 runs from 13 balls which were possible but suddenly it started to rain and when rain stopped the notorious Duckworth Lewis method prompted South Africa to score impossible 22 runs from just one ball.
In 1999, the loss was almost more painful as the two teams tied and South Africa was eliminated because it already had lost to Australia earlier.
In 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, South Africa needed a win against Sri Lanka in last group match to ensure they went through to the next round. In a rain shortened game, South Africa was set 230 to win in 45 overs. Off the last ball they faced, though, a calculation mistake (they needed one more run to win) saw them tie the match and get knocked out!
Sri Lanka is showing signs of 1996 World Cup. Last group match against India was deja vu of 1996 Semifinal in Eden Garden, Calcutta. Hoping for next deja vu in Final against Australia.
