Following South Africa’s ICC Champions Trophy semi-final exit against New Zealand in Lahore on Wednesday, Ongama Gcwabe rates each Proteas player’s returns in the tournament...
8: Temba Bavuma. RUNS:114; 2x50s; Average: 57
The half-century that Temba Bavuma scored against Afghanistan in Karachi was his first batting milestone at an ICC event. His second came in the semi-final against New Zealand as the Proteas captain wrapped up what was by far his most successful ICC event.
8: Ryan Rickelton. RUNS:147; 1X100: AVE: 49
In his first-ever ICC event, Ryan Rickelton announced his arrival with a brilliant century against Afghanistan in Karachi. His short stay at the crease in the semi-final, though it did not amount a significant total, would have made a statement that he is one to watch for the future.
9: Rassie van der Dussen. RUNS: 193; 3x50s; AVE: 96.5
Rassie van der Dussen was by far the most impressive player in the Proteas camp in this tournament. The experienced right-hander was consistent, scoring three half-centuries in three games as he stood out in the batting unit.
6: Aiden Markram. RUNS: 83; 1X50; AVE: 83
Though he failed to meet expectations in the semi-final, Aiden Markram was able to register a half-century against England, and led South Africa to a convincing victory in what was virtually a quarter-final.
6: Heinrich Klaasen. RUNS: 67; 1X50; AVE 33.5
Heinrich Klaasen’s tournament did not have an ideal start as the right-hander missed out on the opening fixture due to an injury, and only came back in the England game, where he scored a half-century. He would have wanted to score big in the semi-final, but it was not meant to be.
9: David Miller RUNS: 121; 1X100; AVE: 121
Known as South Africa’s best-ever white ball finisher, David Miller further cemented that statement with an impressive century in the semi-final. With the 35-year-old possibly playing in his final ICC event, he might have signed out in style.
6: Wiaan Mulder. RUNS: 20; AVE: 20; WKTS: 6; BBI: 3/25; AVE: 18.16
Playing in his first ICC event, Mulder was impressive in some games with the ball as he hinted that he does have it in him to be a genuine wicket-taker. With the bat, Mulder is yet to show his potential in the format.
5: Marco Jansen. WKTS: 4; BBI: 3/39; AVE: 37.50
Bowling in the first powerplay can be tough for any bowler, but Marco Jansen held his own in this tournament as he put on a match-winning performance against England with his figures of 3/39. He still has a long way to go in order to become a finished article as a new-ball bowler.
4: Keshav Maharaj. WKTS: 3; BBI: 2/35; AVE: 48.66
In conditions one would expect Keshav Maharaj to have a fantastic tournament, the spinner just could not quite meet the expectations. Though he had good games against Afghanistan and England, his returns against New Zealand were not up to his standard.
8: Kagiso Rabada. WKTS: 6; BBI: 3/36; AVE: 24.66
Bowling as a first-change bowler in the tournament, Kagiso Rabada stood up when the team needed him, especially in the group stages. In the semi-final, the 29-year-old would have wanted to have an impact as they toiled against the Black Caps.
7: Lungi Ngidi. WKTS: 6; BBI: 3/72; AVE: 26.83
Lungi Ngidi had a good tournament, especially for a fast bowler who had just come back from an injury. His slower balls were impressive, and his execution was just as good. He took a total of six wickets in three games.