Over the years, South Africa in Senior ICC Tournament Finals has become a story of rare triumphs and repeated heartbreaks. From their golden moment in 1998 to finally winning a red-ball crown in 2025, the journey has been dramatic, emotional, and inspiring.
Let’s take a look at the Top 5 Finals Appearances by South Africa in Senior ICC Tournament:
5. ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 (Won vs Australia)
- Venue: Lord’s, London
- Result: South Africa won by 7 wickets
- Captain: Temba Bavuma
- Key Player: Kagiso Rabada (9 wickets in the match)
South Africa stunned the world by beating Australia in the final of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship. It was their first global title in 27 years and marked a significant shift in their Test legacy. This monumental win silenced critics and crowned South Africa as red-ball kings, adding a glorious chapter to the story of South Africa in Senior ICC Tournament Finals.
4. Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (Lost vs New Zealand)
- Venue: The Seven Stadium (Dubai)
- Result: South Africa lost by 6 runs
- Captain: Laura Wolvaardt
In back-to-back Women’s T20 World Cup finals, South Africa came heartbreakingly close. Playing on home soil, they couldn’t chase down a modest target set by New Zealand. Despite a strong start, middle-order collapses haunted their dreams again—another tough moment in the journey of South Africa in Senior ICC Tournament Finals.
3. Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 (Lost vs India)
- Venue: Bridgetown, Barbados
- Result: South Africa lost by 11 runs
- Captain: Aiden Markram
This was South Africa’s first-ever men’s T20 World Cup final, and the excitement was massive. But chasing India’s total under pressure proved to be a mountain too steep. Despite valiant efforts from the top order, they fell just short, adding another painful chapter to the story of South Africa in Senior ICC Tournament Finals.
2. Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 (Lost vs Australia)
- Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
- Result: South Africa lost by 19 runs
- Captain: Sune Luus
The 2023 final was historic as it marked South Africa’s first-ever appearance in any ICC World Cup final (men or women). The Proteas women put up a strong fight but were outclassed by a dominant Australian side. Still, it was a proud and defining moment for South African women’s cricket and a significant milestone in the journey of South Africa in Senior ICC Tournament Finals.
1. Champions Trophy 1998 (Won vs West Indies)
- Venue: Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Result: South Africa won by 4 wickets
- Captain: Hansie Cronje
- Man of the Match: Jacques Kallis
South Africa’s only ICC title in the 20th century, the 1998 Champions Trophy triumph remains iconic. Jacques Kallis starred with both bat and ball, leading South Africa to a hard-fought win over West Indies. It was the first and only men’s ICC trophy until 2025—a landmark moment in the legacy of South Africa in Senior ICC Tournament Finals.
South Africa in Senior ICC Tournament Finals – Quick Overview
| No. | Tournament | Year | Result | Opponent | Captain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Champions Trophy | 1998 | Won | West Indies | Hansie Cronje |
| 2 | Women’s T20 World Cup | 2023 | Lost | Australia | Sune Luus |
| 3 | Men’s T20 World Cup | 2024 | Lost | India | Aiden Markram |
| 4 | Women’s T20 World Cup | 2024 | Lost | New Zealand | Laura Wolvaardt |
| 5 | World Test Championship Final | 2025 | Won | Australia | Temba Bavuma |
Conclusion
While the phrase “South Africa in Senior ICC Tournament Finals” once evoked memories of heartbreak, the recent success in the 2025 Test Championship signals a change. Both the men’s and women’s teams are now consistent finalists. The hunger is visible. The trophies are finally arriving. The journey of South Africa in Senior ICC Tournament Finals reflects a powerful transformation—proof that resilience, growth, and belief can reshape history in world cricket.
Read More: Top 5 Highest Totals in ODI Cricket History
FAQ`s
Q1: How many ICC tournament finals has South Africa played in?
A: South Africa has played in five senior ICC tournament finals—two in men’s cricket (1998, 2025), and three in women’s cricket (2023, 2024 twice). They won two titles: the 1998 Champions Trophy and the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
Q2: Has South Africa ever won an ICC World Cup?
A: No, South Africa has never won an ICC ODI or T20 World Cup. However, they won the 1998 Champions Trophy and the 2025 World Test Championship, both recognized as ICC global titles.
Q3: When did South Africa last win an ICC tournament?
A: Their most recent victory came in 2025, when they defeated Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s.
Q4: Which was South Africa’s first ICC final appearance?
A: South Africa’s first senior ICC final appearance was in the 1998 Champions Trophy (then called the ICC KnockOut Trophy), which they won by defeating West Indies.