The Proteas suffered their third successive defeat at the World Cup after going down to India by six wickets in Southampton. JOHN GOLIATH rates the South Africans.

Hashim Amla – 3

There was a little bit of nip off the pitch in the morning and the Indian seam bowlers exploited the conditions beautifully. Amla hit a cracking square drive for four, before getting a top nut from Jasprit Bumrah, which he edged to MS Dhoni.

Quinton de Kock – 4

Caught an absolute blinder to get rid of the dangerous Virat Kohli to give the Proteas a sniff. However, his real job was to get crucial runs at the top with the bat. Got beaten several times by Bumrah’s away swinger, and then got himself out playing a loose drive. Disappointing.

Faf du Plessis – 4

The toss proved to be vital, as the ball moved around early in he first hour. Again, the South Africans and their captain, in particular, didn’t read the conditions properly and it ended up costing them dearly. Injuries to Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi probably forced their hand, though, in terms of bowling first, with only Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris in the pace department. Beaten comprehensively by a gem from Yuzvendra Chahal.

David Miller – 3

Led the Proteas’ recovery with the bat, but had to try and play the type of innings that Rohit Sharma played. He failed to dig deep and give the South Africans a chance to get to 260-270. However, the great shocker came at the death when he dropped  Rohit Sharma after Rabada came on for one last roll of the dice.

Rassie van der Dussen – 3

The less said about his attempted reverse sweep, the better…

JP Duminy – 3

His international career started in such spectacular fashion, with his century in the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne in 2008 laying the platform for what was set to be a stellar international career. Instead, we are seeing his unfulfilled potential with each passing innings before he hangs up his ODI boots at the end of the World Cup.

Andile Phehlukwayo – 6

Someone needs to have a word with that little guy on his shoulder. That guy who seems to control his impulses to hit out when he doesn’t really needs to. He batted really nicely and looked to take the Proteas’ innings deep. Then, out of the blue, decided to charge Chahal and was duly stumped by Dhoni, who initially fumbled, but still had about 30 minutes to take off the bails…

Chris Morris – 8

This was the game that South Africa needed him to produce that special all-round display. Morris obliged with a top knock of 42 from just 34 balls to give the Proteas something to defend. He then followed that up with a magnificent spell with the new ball and bowled well throughout without a lot of luck. Also took a decent catch off his own bowling.

Kagiso Rabada – 8

Shared a crucial 66-run partnership with Morris and looked really good for his 31 runs. Bowled his heart out and struck early for the Proteas. He didn’t have a lot of luck, as he hit the splice of the bat a few times, while Miller dropped Sharma when Du Plessis tossed his spearhead the ball to try and produce another miracle.

Imran Tahir – 4

Would have been disappointed with his outing. Bowled too flat and wasn’t a threat. Maybe not enough runs to play with?

Tabraiz Shamsi – 4

Shamsi was tidy for the most part, but like Tahir, didn’t give the ball a chance to do the work.