In a simple formula of contract value divided by runs scored, these are the batsmen that offered good returns on investment during the Mzansi Super League.
10th. Marco Marais
Contract value: R150,000
Rands per run: R1,128
The recipient of the fastest triple century in the history of first-class cricket last year and consecutive centuries in the 2018 Africa T20 Cup, the big-hitting right-hander delivered 133 runs in seven innings up and down the order for the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants.
9th. Henry Davids
Contract value: R150,000
Rands per run: R1,071
The veteran right-hander held the mantle of captain and primary run-scorer for the Paarl Rocks until Faf du Plessis returned from Australia to assume both roles. He struck 140 runs in seven innings – and bowled a bit, too.
8th. Janneman Malan
Contract value: R250,000
Rands per run: R820
The Cape Town Blitz opener scored 305 run in nine innings, but missed the final due to illness. He has been listed for next week’s Indian Premier League player auction.
7th. Dean Elgar
Contract value: R150,000
Rands per run: R743
Ever insistent that he shouldn’t be pigeonholed as a five- or four-day cricket specialist, the inventive left-hander duly walked the talk with 202 runs in seven knocks for the Tshwane Spartans.
6th. Kyle Verreynne
Contract value: R75,000
Rands per run: R701
In and out the Blitz XI, as the need for an additional batsman over a bowler arose, and then later as injury cover for Malan, the young wicketkeeper-batsman was a solid middle-order option to the tune of 107 runs in four innings.
5th. Cameron Delport
Contract value: R120,000
Rands per run: R609
The Dolphins big-hitter left the tournament for a stint with the Pakhtoons in Sharjah’s T10 League, but when in South Africa amassed 197 runs in five knocks – and proved a relative steal for the Paarl Rocks.
4th. Sarel Erwee
Contract value: R75,000
Rands per run: R600
The talented left-hander struggled to secure a permanent berth in a Durban Heat batting order packed with Proteas, but gave 125 in five innings when opportunity allowed.
3rd. Ryan Rickelton
Contract value: R150,000
Rands per run: R598
The dashing youngster played in Chris Gayle’s shadow for the most part, until the West Indian left the competition and allowed him to complete 251 runs in nine innings for the Jozi Stars.
2nd. Morne van Wyk
Contract value: R120,000
Rands per run: R571
Closing in on 40 years old, the former Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman showed he still has plenty to offer behind and in front of the stumps en route to 210 runs in eight innings for the Durban Heat.
1st. Rudi Second
Contract value: R75,000
Rands per run: R551
Another wicketkeeper-batsman who displayed worth beyond a relatively small price tag, the Knights man afforded the Giants 136 runs in eight innings.
Photo: Gallo
