The national cricket team that represents South Africa is called the South African cricket team This team also called as the Proteas is handled by the Cricket South Africa. The team is a complete member of the International Cricket Council and enjoys One day International as well as Test status.
The British established cricket in South Africa. In 1888-89 the British toured South Africa and with the commencement of the first Test match at Port Elizabeth Soufh Africa became the third Test playing country.
South Africa is rather unfortunate not being able to win major Cups. In the 1992 World Cup there was a rain affected match where South Africa had to face a comical situation of needing 22 runs in 1 delivery to proceed in the Cup. In the 1996 World Cup South Africa was defeated by Australia in the Super Six match and in the semi final there was a tie against the same opponent. As Australia had previously defeated South Africa it was knocked out of the tournament.
In the Cricket World Cup held in 2003 in South Africa the hosts could not proceed through the group stage owing to a misunderstanding regarding the amount of runs required in a run chase hampered by rain. Due to this match Shaun Pollock resigned from his captaincy.
In the year 2004 the team was successful in wining only against the West Indies.
In early 2007 South Africa became the no.1 ranked side in the world. However it could not perform in the 2007 World Cup. During the semi finals Australia won by 7 wickets against South Africa.

Major achievements

Won the ICC Knockout tournament in 1998
Won the Gold medal at the Commonwealth games
On 12th March 2006 South Africa recorded the second highest total in One day internationals which was 438 for 9 in 49.5 overs. This was also the biggest successful run chase in one day international history.