South Africa’s poor record in World Cup play-off matches started in 1992 but ironically the first one wasn’t their fault as rain ruined a tense semi-final.
South Africa needed 22 off 13 balls to beat England in Sydney when rain stopped play at the 1992 World Cup. Ten minutes later the players were back on… and South Africa needed 21 off one ball.
England made 252-6, with Graeme Hick thumping 83 and Dermot Reeve hitting 25 off 14 balls. Even though nobody reached 50, South Africa were always in the hunt until the rain came.
Brian McMillan (21) and Dave Richardson (13) were at the crease and well set when play resumed after the rain interruption, but what should have been a tense finish ended in disappointment for the losing team.
