3 Instances when rain played spoilsport in South Africa's campaign in ICC Tournaments

South Africa featured in their first ICC tournament in 1992 and have been one of the most competitive teams since then. They have played some astonishing cricket and have become one of the most formidable cricketing nations in the world.

However, there have been times when the rain has robbed the Proteas of what they truly deserved. Be it their maiden World Cup or the ongoing marquee tournament, mother nature has proved to be an obstacle for South Africa. Let us look at the instances when the rain has played spoilsport in South Africa's campaign in the ICC tournaments

3. 1992 World Cup Semi-Final against England

After being banned due to Apartheid for over 20 years, South Africa made their World Cup debut in 1992. Not many rated them highly but they surpassed expectations and qualified for the semi-final where they faced England.

England batted first and posted a total of 252 for 6 in 45 overs that could be bowled in the allotted time. Chasing 253, the Proteas batters were up for the challenge and the game went right down the wire with 22 runs needed off 13 balls. South Africa had all-rounder Brian McMillan and wicketkeeper David Richardson at the crease. The match could have gone either way but the rain intervened.

After the rain break when the game resumed, the equation shockingly become 21 runs off 1 ball courtesy of the lowest-scoring-over rain rule. McMillan patted Chris Lewis' last ball for a single and the Proteas lost the game by 19 runs as rain deprived South Africa of a chance to reach the Final. The Three Lions qualified for the summit clash but lost the game to Pakistan.