Pink Day in South African cricket explained: Why the Proteas wear pink jersey at Johannesburg

Pink Day in South African cricket explained: Why the Proteas wear pink jersey at Johannesburg originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Pink ODI is an annual occasion at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Proteas host the visitors in an all-pink kit.

It is done to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

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What is Pink Day in South African cricket?

Pink Day is one of the most iconic events in the South African sporting calendar, when the national cricket team swap their traditional green and gold for a bright pink kit to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.

The first Pink ODI was held in 2013 against Pakistan, and the Proteas won that match.

In fact, they have won the first six ODIs wearing the pink kit.

All proceeds from the Pink Day ODI benefit the Breast Care Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg. It is estimated that around Rand 10 million ($624665) has been raised through the Pink ODI event.

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Fans are encouraged to wear a pink outfit during the match to support the cause. The motto Early Detection Saves Lives echoes the central theme of the campaign.

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The McGrath Foundation and the history of Pink Day matches in cricket

In 2005, Jane, along with Glenn, founded The McGrath Foundation to help those suffering from cancer and raise funds for breast cancer care nurses.

Following Jane's demise from breast cancer in 2008, the organisation tied up with Cricket Australia to begin the annual tradition of the Sydney Pink Test match in 2009 when Australia faced South Africa.

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Since then, there have been 17 renditions of the Sydney Pink Test, with the match generating around A$37.6 million over the years.

World records on Pink Day in South Africa

Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw stitched together a world-record opening stand of 247 against the West Indies during a Pink ODI in 2015.

However, later in that match, AB de Villiers arrived and produced one of the most explosive displays the format has ever witnessed. He tore through the bowling to smash the fastest century in ODI history, reaching three figures in just 31 balls, before surging to 149 from 44 deliveries.

South Africa posted 439/2 on the board and won the match by 148 runs.

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South Africa's results on Pink Day

Here is a list of all South Africa's results in Pink ODIs:

(Updated till September 27, 2026)

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