Cricket history — identify the winner: Which country won the final of the triangular One Day International series played at Durban in February 1997?

Introduction / Context:
This item assesses knowledge of a specific ODI tri-series outcome in South Africa in the 1996–97 season, culminating with a final at Durban in February 1997. Tri-series formats were common in the 1990s, and remembering winners at iconic venues like Kingsmead, Durban, is standard sports GK.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Event: Triangular ODI series final at Durban, February 1997.
• Participants included South Africa, India, and Zimbabwe.
• Question asks only for the champion team.

Concept / Approach:
To answer, recall the Standard Bank Triangular Series 1996–97. The final was contested in Durban where the hosts had a strong record. Match summaries from that season show South Africa were dominant at home.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the series = Standard Bank Triangular Series 1996–97.Step 2: Locate final = Durban, February 1997.Step 3: Result recall = South Africa defeated India in the final.Step 4: Therefore, winner = South Africa.

Verification / Alternative check:
Season summaries for 1996–97 list South Africa as the tournament winners with India as runners-up. Scorecards show a South African victory margin in the final at Kingsmead, confirming the memory-based answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• India: Reached the final but did not win it.
• New Zealand: Not part of this particular Durban final; also not the 1997 SA tri-series champion.
• Zimbabwe: Participated in the series but did not win the title.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing this event with other tri-series in South Africa from different years or with finals in Johannesburg/Cape Town. Another error is assuming India won because of strong batting performances during the league stage.

Final Answer:
South Africa