In the last 15 years they haven't had a ODI side as strong as South Africa's.
Well England have been playing ODI cricket long before South Africa got readmitted. Plus have you seen the recent record of the Proteas vs England in ODI's not very pretty reading if you are a Protea fan. Plus that line of "England is not a very good ODI side" I have seen this been used very often in retrospect as if to cover themselves when they bomb out of a tournament. But come tournament time a different song is sung, even now after the 4 - 0 whitewash 2015 is being talked up.
As Sparkley says that word is easily used when it comes to Proteas but when it happens to other countries their supporters use words bad luck or the like.
Anyway here is my list:
Australia vs South Africa - I think 93/94 Sydney Test match, it was worse due to the huge gulf in experience between the two sides. I think Proteas were defending 120 or something
That famous tour by Australia to India, that match with that follow on innings by Laxman and co.
England vs West Indies - that final in England - ICC Champs Trophy I think
51 All Out by England against Windies
England - 2006/07 Ashes - Adelaide where Collingwood scored that 200
India - That match where Michael Clarke took all those wickets - was it Sydney
England Lords 2008 . Granted they didnt lose but the Proteas were in such trouble I cant believe they didnt lose that match.
Australia - Australia vs South Africa - Perth and Melbourne. Yes South Africa were given a great chance before they arrived, but during those 2 games Australia got into very strong positions
India - Newlands Jan 2011 - I was at the ground, by the time I got to my seat we had lost three wickets and it was turning square. With a slim lead of 50 odd and 5 wickets down and the reputation of not playing spin, yes India didnt lose that match but they should have won easily thus taking the series. It was funny Smith got most of the blame as usual, but not a peep about Dhoni.
India - The recent test series' against England and Australia. Yes there bowlers arent great, but to lose 8 - 0 with the batsmen they have, the hype and being ranked number one and insisting they deserve to be number one.
Australia - Newlands 2012 - again the position that they were in.
England - The recent Pakistan series. I have often seen the choke term used when a side is overwhelming favourites and then lose. I still dont buy this line of not playing spin that they are using retrospectively. Plus bowling out a side for 99 first innings...
Oops and that 438 game