Following South Africa’s semi-final exit in Kolkata at the hands of the Black Caps on Wednesday, Ongama Gcwabe rates the Proteas players’ performances in theICC Men’s T20 World Cupin India. Markram finished the competition as South Africa’s top run-scorer, a fitting effort for the leader of the team. On the field, the skipper made some sound calls, rotating his bowlers well and making well thought out field placements.
Going into the tournament,De Kock was by far South Africa’s most in-form batter, having had an excellent SA20 earlier this year. In the World Cup, the batter did not set the world alight, at least not as much as many had anticipated that he would. However, the experienced batter, alongside Markram, had a number of solid partnerships at the top of the order.
De Kock would most likely be the first person to critique himself and say he did not live up to his own standards in India. If one would have asked Rickelton if he would take 228 runs at a strike rate of 170 before the tournament, he probably would have. After all, the 29-year-old was not even in the original squad and also was batting out of position.
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Semi-final aside, Rickelton was South Africa’s second-best batter after Markram and his numbers also show for it. Based on his ability to adapt in a new position and maintaining a high tempo throughout his innings, Rickelton had a really decent tournament. The youngster had a quiet start to the tournament, struggling to spend time in the middle and simply did not score runs.
However, towards the backend of South Africa’s campaign, the right-hander showed the world what he is capable of achieving as he rescued the Proteas in multiple spots of bother to relative safety. For a player playing in his maiden World Cup, he can return home with his head held high.
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