South Africa’s performances in multi-nation tournaments have often followed a familiar pattern — strong starts in the early stages, only to fall short when the stakes are highest. This recurring trend has led to persistent discussions about its ability to handle pressure in knockout matches, shaping the narrative around its tournament history.
Less than a year ago, South Africa repeated the pattern, losing the T20 World Cup final to India from a seemingly unlosable position. The 2025 Champions Trophy presents the Proteas with another opportunity to finally shed the cursed ‘choker’ tag.
South Africa will look to capitalise on the momentum gained from its maiden World Test Championship final qualification earlier this year.
The Rainbow Nation boasts a well-balanced squad, largely free of glaring weaknesses. The Proteas’ batting unit is versatile and formidable, equally adept at consolidation and acceleration. Skipper Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram will anchor the top order.
In Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, South Africa possesses two of the finest six-hitters in the game, capable of providing a powerful final flourish. Additionally, Tristan Stubbs — whose reputation as a finisher continues to rise in T20 franchise leagues — offers further firepower in the middle order.
Kagiso Rabada, one of the world’s top pacers, will lead the bowling attack, bringing a skillset that can dominate all game phases. However, South Africa will be without pace duo Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee, both sidelined due to injury. The Proteas have named 30-year-old Corbin Bosch, who debuted last December, as Nortje’s replacement. He has featured in just one ODI and one Test.
One of South Africa’s biggest challenges will be adapting to the unfamiliar conditions in Pakistan. The low-bounce surfaces could limit the impact of its traditionally strong pace attack, while its batters must adjust to spin-friendly pitches. Adding to their concerns, the Proteas are on a six-match losing streak in ODIs, with their last two defeats coming in the Tri-Series in Pakistan. However, they would have gained valuable insights from that series as they worked to acclimate to subcontinental conditions. It’s also worth noting that South Africa was missing several first-team regulars during the Tri-Series.
The Proteas are in a tricky Group B alongside Afghanistan, Australia, and England. Their campaign will begin and conclude in Karachi — against Afghanistan and England, respectively — while Rawalpindi will host their crucial encounter against Australia.
Over the years, South Africa’s tendency to falter at pivotal moments has been a defining narrative. However, it is worth remembering that it was the inaugural winner of the Champions Trophy in its original iteration, the ICC Knockouts, in 1998. A repeat triumph would go a long way in dispelling a stereotype of its own making.
Player to watch
Since making his ODI debut, Jansen is one of only three fast-bowling all-rounders to have scored at least 400 runs and taken more than 40 wickets
| Photo Credit:
AP
Since making his ODI debut, Jansen is one of only three fast-bowling all-rounders to have scored at least 400 runs and taken more than 40 wickets
| Photo Credit:
AP
Jansen’s presence as a world-class all-rounder will be key to South Africa’s balance. Since making his ODI debut, he is one of only three fast-bowling all-rounders to have scored at least 400 runs and taken more than 40 wickets — the others being Bas de Leede of the Netherlands and Sompal Kami of Nepal.
The left-arm pacer will take confidence from his impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he played a vital role in South Africa’s semifinal run. Now 24, Jansen has firmly established himself as a mainstay across formats. His reliability as a seam-bowling option will also enable South Africa to field two frontline spinners, likely Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.
Full squad
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch. Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka