Table of Contents
The South African cricket team has long been associated with the “chokers” tag, a label that dates back to the 1992 World Cup. Before delving into the relationship between South Africa and this unfortunate moniker, let’s explore what the term “chokers” actually means and why Aiden Markram is the key to removing it from South African cricket.
Definition of “Chokers” in Cricket
In cricket, “CHOKERS” refers to a team or player consistently failing to perform under pressure, particularly in crucial or high-stakes matches. This label is often applied to teams or individuals with a history of underperforming or losing in key moments, despite having the super talent and capability to succeed.
Historical Instances of South Africa “Choking” in Cricket
- 1992 Cricket World Cup Semi-Final South Africa vs. England – The rain-affected match led to the controversial revised target of 22 runs required off 1 ball, resulting in an impossible situation for South Africa.
- 1999 Cricket World Cup Semi-Final South Africa vs. Australia -South Africa needed 1 run to win with 4 balls remaining and 1 wicket in hand. Allan Donald and Lance Klusener’s miscommunication led to a run-out, resulting in a tie. Australia advanced to the final due to a better net run rate in the Super Six stage.
- 2003 Cricket World Cup Group Stage South Africa vs. Sri Lanka Miscalculations in the Duckworth-Lewis method led to South Africa thinking they had done enough to win when in reality, they needed one more run to secure victory, resulting in a tie and elimination from the tournament.
- 2007 Cricket World Cup Semi-Final South Africa vs. Australia -South Africa was bowled out for 149 runs in a comprehensive defeat, continuing the trend of underperforming in crucial knockout matches.
- 2011 Cricket World Cup Quarter-Final South Africa vs. New Zealand – Chasing 222, South Africa collapsed from 108/2 to 172 all out, failing to handle the pressure in a knockout match once again.
- 2015 Cricket World Cup Semi-Final South Africa vs. New Zealand -The rain-interrupted match led to revised targets, and South Africa failed to hold their nerve in a tight finish, with New Zealand winning on the penultimate ball of the match.
- 2017 ICC Champions Trophy Group Stage –South Africa vs. India In a must-win match, South Africa suffered a dramatic batting collapse, losing their last eight wickets for 51 runs and being eliminated from the tournament.
- 2019 Cricket World Cup Group Stage
- South Africa failed to qualify for the semi-finals, with several close matches highlighting their inability to perform under pressure, including a defeat to New Zealand where they failed to defend a moderate total.
These instances clearly justify the “chokers” tag, showcasing how South Africa has consistently struggled to perform in critical moments, despite having one of the best teams from the 1990s onwards.
How Aiden Markram Can Remove the “Chokers” Tag from South African Cricket
Aiden Markram can remove the “chokers” tag from South African cricket by winning the T20 World Cup of 2024. His success as captain of the 2014 U-19 World Cup-winning team, winning of SA T20 league twice highlights his ability to perform under pressure. By fostering a culture of confidence and fearlessness, Markram can help the Proteas overcome past shortcomings and excel in crucial moments on the world stage.
Does Aiden Markram Have the Ammunition to Beat India in the T20 World Cup Final?
Having himself and players like David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs in the middle order who have vast experience playing against India’s spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja in IPL provides South Africa with a strong middle order. On the other hand, India’s middle-order batsmen may struggle against South Africa’s spinners like Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj, whom they haven’t faced extensively. India’s well-known difficulties against left-arm bowlers also come into play, with South Africa’s left-arm options in Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Keshav Maharaj potentially adding to India’s challenges.
Why South Africa cricket team is called choker ?
In short, the South African cricket team is called “chokers” because they have a history of underperforming and losing in crucial matches, especially in major tournaments like World Cups.
Will Sanju Samson play World Cup final match against SA?
Sanju Samson is likely to play because Shivam Dube has struggled as a batsman, and he hasn’t had opportunities to bowl as an all-rounder. Sanju’s batting prowess makes him a stronger choice than Shivam Dube.
If India loses this final match, will the “chokers” tag be transferred to India?
While every cricketing nation faces challenges, the “chokers” tag has historically been associated with South Africa due to their documented struggles in crucial matches. India, despite occasional setbacks in finals and semifinals since 2013, maintains a strong track record in international cricket. With numerous tournament victories and consistent competitiveness, India’s overall performance speaks to their status as a cricketing powerhouse. Therefore, a single loss in a final match would not likely transfer the “chokers” tag to India, given their sustained success and competitive prowess.
Where to watch India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2024 final?
The India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2024 final cricket match will be live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar in India. Live telecast of the IND vs SA T20 World Cup final match will be available on Star Sports and DD Sports TV channels in India.
In the UK, the final will be shown exclusively live on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event. Coverage begins at 3pm. Subscribers can also tune in online via the Sky Go app for live streaming.
Also Read: Why “Chapri” ? 8 Reasons Behind Hardik Pandya’s Trolling in IPL 2024
Mayank Yadav Biography: The Fast and Furious of IPL 2024