Former Proteas batsman Rilee Rossouw’s status as the 2019 Bangladesh Premier League’s leading run-scorer escalated on Wednesday.

Rossouw struck a brisk half-century in the Rangpur Riders’ six-wicket victory over the Rajshahi Kings, who are coached by ex-South African all-rounder Lance Klusener.

The left-handed Rossouw has gathered 514 runs in 11 innings during the ongoing tournament – 187 more in one innings less than second-placed Mushfiqur Rahim. The South African’s tally features one century and five half-tons.

Wednesday’s brisk 55 not out, which was lined with five fours and twin sixes and spanned 43 deliveries, saw the Riders reach a 142-run target with eight deliveries to spare at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

He shared a 71-run partnership with countryman AB de Villiers, whose brisk 37 was a fitting complement to Tuesday’s 100 not out from just 50 balls against the Dhaka Dynamites at the same venue.

The Riders are the reigning champions – and currently occupy first position in the 2019 tournament’s seven team standings after seven wins in 11 attempts.

Several other cricketers foreign to Bangladesh, including South Africans David Wiese, Cameron Delport, Robbie Frylinck and Christiaan Jonker, are involved in the competition.

The 29-year-old Rossouw played 36 ODIs and 15 T20Is for the Proteas between 2014 and 2016 before ending his international career for a Kolpak contract with Hampshire in English county cricket.

Photo: Getty