The Proteas dominated in the 2019 IPL season, with Imran Tahir topping the wicket charts, Kagiso Rabada finishing second and Quinton de Kock ending third on the run-scoring charts.
It was an inspiring season for the Proteas’ two star bowlers. Both Rabada and Tahir showing deadly form leading up to the World Cup. Despite Tahir eclipsing his compatriot in the IPL final, it was Rabada who was the true star of the campaign.
The 23-year-old speedster played 12 matches before complaining about a stiff back and was top of the pile before CSA called him home. Not only was he a lethal wicket-taker, finishing with 25 wickets at an average of 14.72, he also showed magnificent death-bowling capabilities by adding a lethal yorker to his arsenal, an aspect of his game that he specifically needed to improve upon.
WATCH: Rabada’s blistering yorker
Tahir ended his campaign on a high, taking two wickets in the final. Throughout the season he proved to be effective in the middle overs, throttling the middle order and turning pressure situations into his side’s favour. The 40-year-old took 26 crucial wickets in 17 matches at an average of 16.57, with five of those coming in knock-out games.
Final: MI vs CSK. Tahir dismisses Suryakumar Yadav. https://t.co/d1n1qVpPHU
— SA Cricket magazine (@SACricketmag) May 13, 2019
All in all, the Proteas who participated had a good run in the tournament. Quinton de Kock finished third with his highest-ever tally of runs – 529 at an average of 35.26 that included four half-centuries and a high score of 81. Du Plessis racked up his second-highest runs total – 396 and a highest IPL career average of 36.00, which included three half-centuries and a high score of 96.
De Kock’s six triple in one over https://t.co/rEmZIv4LiQ
— SA Cricket magazine (@SACricketmag) May 13, 2019
Du Plessis also showed incredible acrobatics in the field.
For David Miller (213 runs) and Chris Morris (13 wickets, 32 runs), the other two World Cup squad members, it was an underwhelming tournament.
Photo: IPL/Twitter/BCCI
