Proteas opening batsman Janneman Malan turned 24 years old on 18 April 2020. Malan has played three ODIs and two T20Is since last year’s international debut.

Move to the Mother City

Malan spent three years playing provincial cricket for North West before breaking into the Lions XI at franchise level. He opened the batting for the Lions a couple of times alongside Proteas star Reeza Hendricks in early 2018. Six months later, he joined brother Pieter Malan at the Cape Cobras. Sibling Andre Malan followed and has captained Western Province at provincial level and represented the Cobras.

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Mzansi Super League dominance

Malan has the second-most runs in the brief history of the Mzansi Super League. His tally of 663 in 18 innings is second only to Jozi Stars opener Hendricks’ 687 in 16. Malan’s 99 not out struck for the Cape Town Blitz against the Stars in 2019 is the the joint third-highest in the MSL. He has hit the most sixes in the MSL – 30. Fellow Blitz opening batsman Quinton de Kock is a close second with 29.

Maiden ODI century

Malan fought back from a first-ball duck on debut against Australia in Paarl to hit a maiden ODI century in Bloemfontein four days later. Early March’s 129 not out spanned 139 deliveries and featured seven fours and a quartet of sixes. It propelled the Proteas to an unassailable 2-0 series lead. They completed the 3-0 whitewash in Potchefstroom three days later. The ton ensured Malan was a late addition to the squad for March’s tour of India, which was ultimately aborted.

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