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source: Protea men's official account Instagram

We all have goals in the journeys we undertake, be it in our professional lives or our personal lives
with the one trait which helps us achieve these goals being a five-letter word called FOCUS.

Focus to overcome every obstacle, every challenge that life throws at us in pursuit of the last mile hurrah, the goal or the finish line which defines the purpose of our existence. And when these goals are achieved, the feeling is one of complete solitude, an emotion which possibly can’t be described, as ecstasy engulfs our very reason to exist.

Well, a team or must one say teams that were very close to accomplishing this last mile hurrah were the
South African men’s and women’s outfit who conquered every challenge that was thrown at them en route to making a claim for the T20 World Cup title this year.

Yes, the Aiden Markram and Laura Wolvaardt led teams in Green and Gold soared to the finals of the respective ICC T20 World Cups in 2024 and may I say the first two South African sides to do so in the same calendar year, only to perhaps squander it at the end when nothing less than a triumph
mattered.

The feeling if you are a Proteas fan was one of complete delight as these teams showed immense focus and self-belief to valiantly climb the T20 ladder when few gave them a chance. But it eventually transformed into dismay as the trophy despite being well within their grab was shrewdly taken away by India and New Zealand. The Men in Blue and the White Ferns, respectively, were undoubtedly better on the day and this perhaps showed in their performance as they overcame the men and women’s outfit respectively with much valour.

With this being said, the very fact that two South African sides soared to the finals of two major ICC tournaments to overcome the moniker of the perennial ‘C’ word a.k.a chokers that has been undeservingly marred on them was reason enough to shut all the detractors.

And boy it felt nice if one were to ask.

Speaking about nice, this feeling of hope only grew as the year came to a close with another South African team making a claim for yet another final as the Test outfit ascended to the World Test
Championship finale. This after the Proteas played only 10 Tests in 2024 with one amongst these 10 being washed away against the West Indies.

One of the fewest for any Test playing nation and despite this the will to achieve the feat of the WTC final. Well, if this isn’t testament to their ability, one should wonder what is?

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons South Africa soared to the levels they have in the longest format this year is courtesy their consistent batting with seven players recording a ton.


A feat worthy of every praise, you’d reckon.


So, as we say goodbye to a rather steady 2024 in terms of performance, here are some of the marquee events, one can look forward to as 2025 beckons for the Proteas:

The Champions Trophy – February 2025 (Pakistan and UAE)


South Africa’s form when it comes to ODI cricket has been rather paltry with convincing losses against Afghanistan and Pakistan, in fact a series whitewash against the latter, the first ever at home. With the batting lacking purpose barring heroics from Heinrich Klaassen and the bowling being rather ill disciplined conceding a plethora of extras, the Proteas need to arrest this slide if they harbour any hopes of making a strong case in the Champions Trophy.

Temba Bavuma’s strong leadership will have to bear fruit and clear roles will need to be given to every South African player in terms of what is expected from them as Pakistan won’t be an easy hunting ground.

Having said this, the event will be one to look forward to with the top eight teams from world cricket competing and one would hope South Africa would put their best foot forward having been semi-finalists in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where conditions were similar.

ICC World Test Championship Final – June 2025 (Lords)


This definitely would serve as the cream of the 2025 season with South Africa ascending to their first WTC final. The Proteas have been astute in the longest format in 2024 winning six Tests, losing three and drawing one. A win percentage of 60 which undoubtedly is worth every praise.

Temba and his chargers would be eager when the home of cricket in Lords beckons for the top cherry in the red ball format as one of Australia or India battle it out to become their opponents.

This undoubtedly would be a momentous occasion with the Test mace being all for South Africa to take if they manage to make merry in this nail-biting affair.

South Africa Tour Of India – November and December 2025 (2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is)


South Africa’s tour of India in 2025 promises to be an exciting clash of cricketing titans, as the Proteas take on the Men in Blue in a series that will captivate fans across the globe. With India’s formidable home advantage and South Africa’s rich history of resilience, the tour is expected to feature high-intensity matches across formats.

The Proteas have been at the losing end of the bargain in their last few tours to this beautiful land dating back to the 2015 and the 2019 series. They undoubtedly would look to arrest this albeit the challenge won’t be easy as the Indian squad, brimming with talent, will be keen to showcase their prowess in spin-friendly conditions, while South Africa will look to their dynamic pace attack to exploit any
weaknesses.

With star players from both sides, thrilling encounters are guaranteed, making it a much- anticipated series that will add another chapter to the fierce rivalry between these two cricketing powerhouses. With much to look forward to in 2025 and the Proteas shining brightly in 2024, these are truly exciting times for any cricket fan. One can only hope that South Africa continues to rise, for when they shine, the entire world of cricket is filled with hope.

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