Cricket World Cup: Are South Africa chokers?

South Africa's Dale Steyn,left, and teammate South Africa's Kyle Abbott shake hands. Photo / AP

If the Black Caps beat South Africa in today's cricket World Cup semi-final, the Proteas might not choke, they may just lose to a better team.

But for some, it would only confirm the supposition that South Africa always get the speed wobbles at this point in big tournaments. In fact, South Africa have lost nine of their ten knockout matches in ICC tournaments over the past 15 years, only breaking their rut by beating Sri Lanka in the quarterfinal last week.

Yes, New Zealand have also failed to win a semifinal in six attempts, but the 1992 loss to Pakistan was the only time the Black Caps have been favourites.

So is the South African 'choke' term justified? Here are five of the best or, if you're a South African, the worst capitulations in their history.

1992 World Cup semi-final v England, Sydney
Not technically a choke, more of a robbery. South Africa, chasing 253, needed 22 from 13 balls when the heavens opened in Sydney but under the controversial pre-Duckworth/Lewis rain rule, which deducted the opposition's two least productive overs from the target, they needed 21 from just one ball. Verdict: Minor choke

1999 World Cup, semi-final v Australia, Edgbaston
Needing a manageable nine runs to win from the final over, Lance Klusener hit the first two balls for four, leaving just one run from four to seal his side's place in the final. However, a horrific mix-up with last man Allan Donald led to a dramatic run out which cost the Proteas their final wicket and a place in the final. Verdict: Major choke

2003 World Cup, group match v Sri Lanka, Durban
Another rain-interrupted game saw Mark Boucher block out what turned out to be the final ball thinking the hosts were ahead on Duckworth/Lewis calculations. Instead, the teams were tied and Boucher was the victim of an incorrect message from the Proteas dressing room. Verdict: Major choke

2007 World Cup semi final v Australia, St Lucia
South Africa were bowled out for just 149 in 43.5 overs against a pretty average Aussie bowling line-up of Glenn McGrath, Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson and Brad Hogg. Aussies chased down with seven wickets to spare. Verdict: Minor choke

2011 World Cup, quarter-final v New Zealand, Dhaka
The most recent 'choke' saw Graeme Smith's men throw away a place in the last four as they buckled under the pressure of chasing 222. Cruising on 108 for two, South Africa lost eight wickets for 64 to collapse to a humiliating defeat. Verdict: Major choke