South Africa was only the third country to play the game of cricket when they made their debut in this game in 1889. They became a key nation to promote this game, and over the years, they have been among the foremost ambassadors of this sport. South Africa has seen many ups and downs in this game. One of their lowest points was when the Proteas suffered a 22-year ban from this game between 1970 and 1992.
However, this nation has given some incredible cricketers to the world. But their biggest missing link in their cricket history is an ICC title. Despite having some brilliant cricketers, this team hasn’t won any World Cups. Adding to that, they have yet to play a final of the World Cup (ODIs or T20Is). They have played a number of semi-finals but haven’t gone past them.
That is one of the reasons South Africa has been infamously known as the “chockers” in this game. However, they have some glorious moments under their name as well. South Africa won the first and only gold medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. But when it comes to ICC titles, they have just one, which was the 1998 Champions Trophy. So let’s check some major details regarding that tournament for the Proteas.
List of ICC Trophies Won by South Africa
| No. | Year | Title | Opponent |
| 1 | 1998 | Champions Trophy | West Indies |
1. 1998 Champions Trophy
The ICC introduced the Champions Trophy for the very first time in 1998. It took place in Bangladesh, where a total of nine teams took part. Hansie Cronje was the one who was leading the Proteas in the tournament, with Bob Woolmer as the head coach. South Africa played their first game against England, which was a virtual quarterfinal in Dhaka.
It was a high-scoring match. England batted first and made 281/7 in their 50 overs. Adam Hollioake (83) and Neil Fairbrother (56) scored a half-century each for the English team. Jacques Kallis picked up 3/48 for the Proteas. Chasing the target, South Africa had a number of good contributions from the top. Daryll Cullinan (69), Hansie Cronje (67), and Jonty Rhodes (61) helped South Africa make 283/4 and win the game.
With this win, they reached the semi-finals and faced Sri Lanka in that game. This time, South Africa batted first, and the game was reduced to 39 overs per side due to rain. Batting first, the Proteas scored 240/7. Kallis scored a brilliant ton and made 113 not out from 100 balls, with five fours and five sixes. In reply, Sri Lanka couldn’t bat well. They got all out for just 132 runs in 23.4 overs.
As a result, South Africa registered a dominating win by 92 runs. It helped them qualify for their first final of any ICC event. Then they locked horns with the West Indies in Dhaka. West Indies batted first and registered 245 all-out. Philo Wallace made 103 runs. Chasing the target, skipper Hansie Cronje took his team home to lead South Africa to the Champions Trophy win in 1998.