South Africa’s love of cricket has been reflected in new Google data, which ranks the Proteas among the top sports teams searched by fans over the past 12 months.

According to the report, South Africa sits second in the world for overall sports-related searches, behind only Nigeria.

When it comes to specific sports, Mzansi ranks fifth globally for rugby and 13th for football, while cricket holds firm in the country’s top three most-searched sports.

The Proteas were named the 12th most-searched team worldwide, just two spots behind the Springboks (10th).

Google South Africa country director Kabelo Makwane said technology is reshaping how fans follow their favourite sports.

“AI Mode is making Search radically more helpful by combining personalisation with real-time capabilities. For sports fans in South Africa and around the world, it means you can follow your teams and tournaments more closely, while also discovering new ways to connect with the wider sporting community.”

Most searched sports, past 12 months:
1. Soccer
2. Rugby
3. Cricket
4. Formula 1
5. Golf

Most searched sports teams, past 12 months:
1. Orlando Pirates
2. Kaizer Chiefs
3. Mamelodi Sundowns
4. Manchester United
5. Real Madrid
6. Manchester City
7. Liverpool
8. Arsenal
9. Chelsea
10. Springboks
11. Barcelona
12. Proteas

Top trending sports competitions (past 12 months vs previous 12 months):
1. Paralympic Games (+3,820%)
2. ICC Champions Trophy (+2,860%)
3. Fifa Club World Cup (+2,250%)
4. Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (+2,190%)
5. Uefa Nations League (+2,090%)
6. African Nations Championship (+1,750%)

Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images