Without the pressure of trying to advance to the playoffs, the Proteas turned in a complete performance. WADE PRETORIUS rates the efforts of the South Africans.
Quinton de Kock – 4
Offered just 15 with the bat before a lethal Lasith Malinga yorker castled him.
Hashim Amla – 8
The Amla of old was on display with his timing near-perfect. Some might be frustrated that it took so long but there’s also relief that he will end the tournament with some runs under the belt. After finishing 20 shy of a century, attention turns to the last clash of the tournament against Australia. Can he deliver once again?
Faf du Plessis – 9
Now owns the highest score by a Saffa at this World Cup – previously De Kock with 68 – as he finished 96 not out. He showed his class but was the first to admit it was a little late. But the past is the past, and he was excellent with the bat today as he combined with Amla for the record high second wicket stand at the Riverside Ground in Durham. So there’s that to take home.
Aiden Markram – N/A
Rassie van der Dussen – N/A
JP Duminy – 6
The benefactor of a comical shot selection by Da Silva, who opted for an agricultural reverse sweep on the first ball offered up by Duminy. Some will say the ‘Golden Arm’ struck, others will laugh out loud when reviewing the ‘stroke’… I’ll do both.
Dwaine Pretorius – 9
Surprised social media wasn’t in full outcry mode after the previously discarded Pretorius oversaw the destruction of the Sri Lankan batting lineup. With 46 dot balls – a tournament equaling number – in his 10 overs, he strangled the batsmen with precision line and length. Aware of his strengths as well as his limitations, he turned in a great performance after being recalled. Bagged three wickets as a result of his accuracy.
Andile Phehlukwayo – 6
Admittedly not his best day with the ball but steady as ever.
Chris Morris – 8
Picked up three wickets and most crucially got rid of the dangerous Angelo Mathews early on with a clever bit of variation to his length. The fact that Morris will end the competition as one of the (very) few players with his reputation enhanced shows the complete chaos in the the selection committee of the national team. Also did well in the field with a good catch to dismiss Mendis.
Kagiso Rabada – 7
That’s more like it. A wicket with his first ball helped get the tail up and he looked to turn in a more KG-like performance. Extra point for his take in the outfield off the bowling of Phehlukwayo.
Imran Tahir – 6
Wicketless in his penultimate bowling spell for the Proteas but went well under 4 RPO. No doubt he’s saving it all for Australia in his final game. Actually getting teary eyed at the thought that we’ll never see his charisma, his box of tricks and his trademark celebration after his dismantles the Aussies.
