South Africa has never beaten Australia in an ICC event knockout match. The two teams have faced off three times in ICC knockout stages, with Australia winning twice and one match ending in a famous tie (1999 World Cup semi-final, which Australia advanced from due to a superior Super Six standing). Here’s a summary of their knockout encounters:
| Event | Stage | Date | Result |
| World Cup 1999 | Semi-final | 17 Jun 1999 | Match tied (Australia advanced) |
| World Cup 2007 | Semi-final | 25 Apr 2007 | Australia won by 7 wickets |
| World Cup 2023 | Semi-final | 16 Nov 2023 | Australia won by 3 wickets |
In each of these high-stakes matches, South Africa has fallen short, reinforcing the narrative of their “knockout curse”—especially against Australia.
Current Context: WTC Final 2025
The upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s on June 11, 2025, presents South Africa with another opportunity to rewrite history. Temba Bavuma’s side enters as underdogs, aiming to dethrone Pat Cummins’ Australia, who are the reigning champions and have already bested South Africa in previous ICC knockouts.
What Has Changed?
- South Africa topped the WTC standings after a strong run, winning seven of their last eight matches.
- The Proteas have shown resilience in recent ICC tournaments, reaching the semifinals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
- Australia, however, remain the most successful team in ICC events, and have proven their mettle in knockout matches, especially against South Africa.
Can South Africa Break the Curse?
While history is not on South Africa’s side, cricket remains unpredictable. The Proteas have the talent and recent form to challenge Australia, but they will need to overcome both the psychological barrier and the tactical challenge posed by a seasoned Australian side. Key factors will include exploiting any weaknesses in the Australian lineup and maintaining composure in pressure situations—areas where previous South African teams have faltered in ICC knockouts.
Also Read: SA vs AUS Which team will win the WTC 2025? H2H Records
Conclusion
South Africa has never registered a win against Australia in ICC event knockouts, with the record standing at 0-2 (plus one tie where Australia advanced). The WTC Final 2025 offers a fresh chance for the Proteas to finally break this longstanding jinx. Whether they can seize this moment remains to be seen, but history and recent form suggest the challenge will be immense.
