The 2011 World Cup quarter-final saw South Africa choke yet again in an ICC event - this time against New Zealand at Dhaka. The Proteas, who topped Group B with five wins in six encounters, were termed favourites against the Kiwis, who managed to get through to the knockout stage after being placed fourth in Group A.

Defending 221-8, New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori opened the bowling with Nathan McCullum (3-24). The ploy worked as the offie was successful in sending back in-form batsman Hashim Amla (7) on the last ball of the opening over. AB de Villiers joined Jacques Kallis at No. 4 after skipper Graeme Smith (28) departed with the score reading 69-2. At 108-2, just when it looked the Proteas were cruising towards victory, with another 114 required off almost 25 overs, Kallis was caught by Jacob Oram off pacer Tim Southee. Kallis's wicket led to a middle-order collapse as the Proteas lost five wickets for just 25 runs to put them in trouble at 132-7.