On this day in 1992: South Africa made their World Cup debut, know all about how an untested unit stunned the World Champions

South Africa 1992 Team (Photo By Adrian Murrell/Getty Images)

26 February, 1992 – a day that would forever be etched in the minds of the Proteas and their 60 million countrymen. For a country that had just made its return to international cricket a year ago, it was still within the limits of possibility to participate in the fifth edition of the coveted Cricket World Cup as mere audience. None of the players or members of the support staff was expecting to receive a call-up for the tournament.

While there was no incentive for the newbies to prepare for what could be their biggest cricketing moment, there was one man who was relentlessly giving it his all to make this long-cherished dream of the tormented nation come true.

Rightfully dubbed as ‘Mr. Fixit’, the sports head of Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress, Mr. Steve Tshwete had intense diplomatic discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to include South Africa in the upcoming World Cup.

The apex organization ultimately gave in on one condition, that the nation shall profoundly reject apartheid in the upcoming referendum and ensure democracy in South Africa. While this may seem to be a reasonable deal, the only problem was that the referendum was scheduled to take place mid-way through the mega event.

But it was Tshwete again who assured ICC of a positive result in the referendum and pleaded with them to let South Africa play in the tournament.

After much deliberation, there it was — the moment that was about to redefine the entire fate of the southernmost nation of the most backward continent. South Africa was finally admitted to the 1992 World Cup and the date of 26th February was chosen for them to step into the global event.

However, worries didn’t end there. After bearing the brunt of an indefinite ban for over 20 years and making their international comeback just months before the high-voltage tournament, South Africa didn’t even have a proper mix to stand themselves a chance in the World Cup. Up against them were the tried and tested lineups of teams, which were coming in with the experience of playing in three World Cups.

The Proteas, on the other hand, was a band of amateurs and the most experienced of the squad were those who had played the three ODI matches against India the previous year, to mark South Africa’s international comeback.

The lot, however, included veterans such as Kepler Wessels and Peter Kirsten who had the experience of playing quality cricket either as part of the controversial World Series Cricket or in the rebel tours that happened between 1970 and 1991.

As many as six players of the eventual 14-member squad that made it to the World Cup, were yet to play a single international match in their career. Yet, under the able leadership of Kepler Wessels and coach Mike Proctor, the team was hopeful of pulling off a memorable performance announcing their return to the international stage with style.

Wessels, Australia and Sydney – the ‘tri-conic’ co-incidence

The date of 26th February does remain absolutely emotional for millions of South African cricket fans all across the world. But it was particularly a goosebump moment for skipper Wessels to lead his country in a historical outing at the same ground where he, as a 21-year-old, had made his cricketing debut, representing Australia in the World Series Cricket. The same Australia whom they were now pitched against, at the same Sydney Cricket Ground which once housed and nurtured this dreamy young lad. Destiny had come full circle for Kepler Wessels.

But that day, it wasn’t just about Wessels, it was more about his eleven men and their beautiful country, where millions were watching these superheroes carry the nation’s pride in their green kits.

Dreamy start for the Proteas

Tossing the coin for the beginning of a new chapter, South Africa lost the toss and were made to bowl first, an offer that was respectfully accepted by the Proteas. The Aussie openers Geoff Marsh and David Boon had set the stage for the hosts with their thoughtful batting and had stitched up a good-looking partnership. The opening stand could have troubled South Africa more, had it not been for a self-inflicting run-out that got Boon going, as Australia lost their first wicket at 42.

In came Dean Jones who, together with Marsh, did score steady runs to bring Australia back on the track. All their efforts, however, came crashing down when right-arm bowler Adrian Kuiper dismissed Marsh and skipper Allan Border in quick succession, thus reducing the hosts to 76/3.

Jones seemed to be on a mission to mend the initial damage with his carefully chosen shots but ultimately clipped a ball off Brian McMillan to get himself caught behind by David Richardson.

After that, it was just a string of low scores and regular fall of wickets, barring Steve Waugh’s 51-ball 27, which led Australia to wrap its innings up at 170. For South Africa, Allan Donald with his 3-match experience, picked up 3 wickets whereas McMillan and Kuiper got two each.

Chasing 171 in his alma mater, ‘home boy’ Kepler Wessels played one of his finest knocks to not lose the chances of culminating South Africa’s 22-year-long wait on the sweetest note possible. He found an able partner in his old friend Peter Kirsten, with whom he weaved an unbeaten 97-run partnership to manifest one of the most memorable victories of world cricket.

Wessels remained unbeaten on 81 with 9 fours whereas Kirsten was one run short of his maiden World Cup half-century when the winning run was hit to make it a happier cause for him. With cricket smiling at a corner of the SCG, there stood the defending champions devastated by a 3-match old team.

The comeback for South Africa couldn’t have been any bigger and to acknowledge that fact, President Frederik Willem de Klerk made a special call to Wessels right after the match, to convey the nation’s gratitude to him and his men. With this, 26th February remains one of the historic dates in the nation’s cricket diary.

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