The Proteas saved their best performance for their last match at the World Cup. JOHN GOLIATH rates the South Africans following their exciting 10-run win over Australia at Old Trafford.
Quinton de Kock – 8
De Kock got the Proteas off to a fast start with a 51-ball 52, before playing another terrible shot to get out when a big 100 was on the cards on a lovely batting surface. However, he redeemed himself with a top performance behind the stumps. He brilliantly flicked the ball on to the stumps to run out Marcus Stoinis, before taking a blinder to get rid of Glenn Maxwell.
Aiden Markram – 6
Looked like a million dollars in the first powerplay. Played a few cracking square drives off the back and front foot and looked like he was strapping himself in for the long haul. However, he just can’t seem to get past the 30s. Was exceptional in the field and took a good catch to get rid of the dangerous Alex Carey.
Faf du Plessis – 9
Du Plessis scored the Proteas’ first century of the tournament to propel his team to the sort of total that wins modern-day ODIs. Du Plessis paced his innings brilliantly and took the game to the Aussies, while Rassie van der Dussen found his way during their partnership. Decided to open the bowling with Imran Tahir and got rewarded with the big wicket of Aaron Finch.
Rassie van der Dussen – 8
Van der Dussen is going to become a fine international player. He reads the game well and never seems to panic, even if he struggles early on in his innings. The Lions batsman deserved a century after playing so well at the back end of the South African innings following a tough start. Faced about 20 balls for his first five runs, but ended up with 95 of 97 balls.
JP Duminy – 6
Only had a couple of overs to bat in his final ODI for the Proteas. Managed to get 14 off 13 and squeezed out a couple of stunning yorkers from Mitchell Starc before perishing trying to hit one out of the ground. Bowled four overs for 22 runs and took a good catch to get rid of Pat Cummins. The win was a fitting farewell for the diminutive Duminy.
Dwaine Pretorius – 7
Pretorius got out to a stunning Starc yorker at the death, but his biggest contribution was with the ball. He trapped the dangerous Steve Smith lbw, before coming back later to get the vital wicket of David Warner. His contribution of 2-27 in six overs was very important for the Proteas in he context of the match.
Andile Phehlukwayo – 6
South Africa’s star all-rounder has struggled in the latter part of this tournament following a top start. Only faced three balls at the end of South Africa’s innings, but managed to get a crucial four. His first over went for 10, but took two crucial wickets at the death to help the Proteas get over the line.
Chris Morris – 6
Took a great catch to get rid of Warner when the Australian opener looked like he would single-handedly chase down the massive target. Wasn’t quite his best with the ball, but managed to get the wicket of Carey, who was playing the knock of his life.
Kagiso Rabada – 7
Bowled with a lot of fire up front and his battle with Warner was pure theatre, as both players landed some punches in their scrap. He went wicketless in his first spell, but came back strongly with three wickets to help his team pull off a great victory. Now this kid needs a long holiday to recharge the batteries ahead of a big summer of cricket.
Imran Tahir – 7
It wasn’t his best performance with the ball after striking early when opening the bowling, but hell, I’m going to give him an extra point for all the joy he has given us over the last few years. Go well, Immy Bhai!
Tabraiz Shamsi – 6
The man who must take over the spin mantel for the Proteas in ODI cricket started off really well, but took a bit of a pasting when Carey was going great guns. He needs to step up the plate and become the Proteas’ premier spinner in white-ball cricket.
