#CricketInNumbers: Statistics, records of South Africa in the World Cup
The ICC World Cup 2019 will start from May 30 onwards, in England and Wales. Notably, South Africa have never won the tournament till now. As usual, South Africa boast of quality players in their ranks and it will be interesting to see how they go about their business this time around. Here we look at their statistics and key records in this event.
How have South Africa fared in ICC World Cup events?
South Africa played their first World Cup in the year 1992. In seven World Cup tournaments, the Proteas have reached the semi-final on four occasions (1992, 1996, 2007 and 2015). They have also reached the quarter-finals twice in 1996 and 2011. On one occasion they crashed out of the group stage of the World Cup (2003).
South Africa's highest and lowest World Cup scores
South Africa's highest ever innings total in the World Cup came in 2015, when they amassed 411/4 against Ireland. Interestingly, it is the third highest score in the World Cup. Their lowest total came against Australia in 2007, when they were bowled out for 149.
Kirsten and Hall hold individual records
Former South African opening batsman Gary Kirsten (188* versus UAE) has the highest individual score. He achieved the feat in 1996. It was the first century by a South African in this coveted event. Andrew Hall holds the record for the best bowling figures by a South African in the World Cup. He picked up 5/18 against England in the 2007 World Cup.
AB de Villiers and Allan Donald had enormous impact
Former wicket-keeper batsman AB de Villiers has scored 1,207 aggregate runs for South Africa in the World Cup. He hit four centuries, six half-centuries at an average of 63.52. He featured in three World Cups (2007, 2011 and 2015). Legend Allan Donald went on to take 38 wickets for the Proteas. Donald took 16 wickets at an average of 20.31 in the 1999 edition.
Some other massive records held by South African cricketers
AB de Villiers is fifth in the list of the total runs scored in the World Cup by a batsman. Besides AB, former cricketers Jacques Kallis (1,148) and Herschelle Gibbs (1,067) are the other two players to score 1,000-plus runs in the World Cup. AB has four ducks in the World Cup, which is the most by any Proteas player.
Key issues facing South Africa and our prediction
South Africa's only problem at the moment is that they lack consistency. The tag of chokers can also be a baggage for them, going into the World Cup. However, they have a settled side and boast of a deadly bowling attack. Further, they have an able leader in Faf du Plessis. We feel that the Proteas can enter the semis in the 2019 edition.
