South Africa have a long history of not being the best at rising up to the occasion, and here we have explained why the proteas are called chokers ahead of their semi-final clash against Australia along with the moniker’s meaning and history
With a rich pool of talent featuring legendary names like Allan Donald, Lance Klusener, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, and Dale Steyn, the Proteas have often stood tall on the global cricketing stage.
Why is the South Africa cricket team called chokers, meme meaning and history
The ‘chokers’ tag did not materialize arbitrarily; it stems from a series of heartbreaks and missed opportunities in major tournaments.
Despite boasting world-class talent both individually and collectively, South Africa has struggled to clinch the most coveted trophies, with their only triumph being the 1998 Champions Trophy.
Dale Steyn 🗣️ 'South Africa can't avoid the semi-final pressure until they win one'
Africa needs to win if they want to remove the chokers tag#CWC23 #IndvsNz #AUSvsSApic.twitter.com/nmoHWzCsQv
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) November 14, 2023
The recurring narrative of falling short, especially in knockout stages, has etched the ‘chokers’ label onto the team’s legacy.
It all started in the 1992 World Cup semifinal when South Africa, pursuing 253 runs in 45 overs, found themselves in a promising position with 22 required from the last 13 balls.
However, a rain delay altered their target to an implausible 22 off one ball, eliminating them from the tournament and sparking debates about rain-delay calculations.
The heartbreak continued in the 1999 World Cup semifinal against Australia, where a mix-up between Lance Klusener and Allan Donald resulted in a run-out, leaving South Africa level with Australia’s score but ousted due to the Super Sixes stage’s run-rate technicality.
In 2003, a misinterpretation of Duckworth-Lewis calculations further added to their woes, leading to a group-stage exit.
The quarterfinal of the 2011 World Cup witnessed a collapse against New Zealand, and in 2015, a semifinal loss to New Zealand again, despite setting a formidable target, intensified the ‘chokers’ narrative.
Despite these setbacks, South Africa’s current squad remains optimistic about overcoming the ‘chokers’ tag in the 2023 World Cup.
As they face Australia in the semi-final with the team led by skipper Temba Bavuma who aims to rewrite history and shed the burden of past disappointments.
The 2023 World Cup has seen South Africa’s aggressive batting approach led by players like Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen.
The bowlers, including emerging talents like Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen, have added a new dimension to the team’s dynamics.
Semi-final preparations are underway for the Proteas 🇿🇦#CWC23 pic.twitter.com/y0WSHmwwMB
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 13, 2023
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the outcome of the semi-final clash, South Africa’s quest for redemption and their battle against the ‘chokers’ tag adds an intriguing layer to the narrative of the ICC ODI World Cup.