NY Times · Mar 16, 2016
South Africa’s Cricketers Battle Image as ‘Chokers’
Photo Hashim Amla, left, and Faf du Plessis are a part of South Africa’s fearsome batting lineup. Credit Indranil Mukherjee/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images South Africa would again seem to be a strong contender for the World Twenty20 cricket tournament. The team is fourth in the world rankings and filled with star players.
So why are most fans and pundits openly dismissive of its chances?
It’s the dreaded word that makes athletes the world over cringe: chokers.
In the previous five World Twenty20s and in seven visits to the longer format World Cup, South Africa has yet to make even a final despite being consistently among the favorites.