South Africa replace “chokers” with “clutch”, set historic T20 WC record

South Africa made history on Monday by becoming the team with the most wins in a single ICC T20 World Cup edition. The Proteas achieved this milestone against the West Indies in their Super Eights clash at Antigua.

Chasing a revised target of 123 runs in 17 overs due to a rain interruption, South Africa secured their seventh win in the tournament. In the Group Stage, they topped Group D with victories over Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Nepal. In the Super Eights stage, they continued their winning streak with triumphs over the USA, defending champions England, and the West Indies.

This record was previously held by Sri Lanka, which had six wins in the 2009 edition before losing to Pakistan in the final at Lord’s in London. The seven-match win streak is also the Proteas’ joint-longest in T20Is, matching similar streaks in 2009 and 2021.

With these seven consecutive victories, the Proteas have advanced to the semifinals. Often labeled “chokers” for their tendency to falter in crucial moments, the Proteas have now replaced that reputation with “clutch” performances. This World Cup has seen South Africa winning several key moments in tight games:

• David Miller (59*) and Tristan Stubbs (33) rescued the team from 12/4 while chasing 104 runs against the Netherlands, winning the game with seven balls and four wickets left, with Miller hitting the winning runs.
• Defending 114 runs against Bangladesh, Keshav Maharaj dismissed all-rounder Mahmudullah on the penultimate ball, securing a four-run win.
• Defending 116 runs against Nepal, South Africa managed to defend two runs on the final ball, running out Gulshan Jha to win by one run.
• Against the USA, defending 28 runs in the last two overs after posting 194, Kagiso Rabada’s 19th over conceded just two runs and claimed the crucial wicket of Harmeet Singh, leading to an 18-run victory.
• In the match against England, South Africa secured the crucial wicket of in-form half-centurion Harry Brook when England needed 14 runs in the final over, staving off a counter-attack to defend their total of 164.
• In the final over against the West Indies, needing five runs with Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada at the crease, Jansen smashed Obed McCoy for a massive six to complete the chase of 123 runs with three wickets and five balls left.

South Africa’s performance in this World Cup has redefined their reputation, showcasing their ability to deliver under pressure and securing key victories in critical moments.