Have South Africa Ever Won An ICC Trophy? Here's The Truth

Rajgeeta Yadav

South Africa against Australia in WTC Final 2025 [Source: AP Photos]South Africa against Australia in WTC Final 2025 [Source: AP Photos]

Many people believe that South Africa have never won an ICC trophy in cricket, but that’s not entirely true. In fact, South Africa did win an ICC title, back in 1998. They became champions in the ICC Knockout Trophy, which is now known as the ICC Champions Trophy. The tournament was held in Bangladesh, and that remains their first and only major title to date.

A History Of Heartbreak In World Cups

Over the years, South Africa have been one of the unluckiest teams in world cricket. Political issues kept them out of international cricket for decades. It wasn’t until 1992 that they were allowed to participate in ICC events. In their very first World Cup that year, they reached the semifinal against England in Sydney. Unfortunately, due to rain and a confusing rule, England advanced, and South Africa was knocked out.

In the following tournaments, their heartbreak continued. One of the most painful moments came in the 1999 World Cup semifinal against Australia. The match ended in a tie, but Australia went through to the final because of their better performance earlier in the tournament. That moment is still remembered as one of the most dramatic in cricket history. 

Missed Opportunities In 2015 and 2024

South Africa’s luck didn’t change in the 2015 World Cup either, where they were beaten in the semifinals by New Zealand in another nail-biting game.

Their misfortune continued in the T20 format as well. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, South Africa reached the final for the very first time. It looked like their years of waiting were about to end, but they lost to India by just 7 runs in a heartbreaking finish at Barbados.

Now, in 2025, South Africa are once again on the verge of rewriting history. They are playing in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) against Australia at the famous Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. 

This time, the Proteas are within touching distance of victory. At the end of Day 3, South Africa is 213 for 2 in their second innings and needs only 69 more runs to win the match and claim their second ICC trophy.

 If they pull off this win against Australia, it will mark a historic moment in South African cricket, as they finally lift their second ICC title after 27 years.