BULAWAYO, ZIM—In a move that stunned fans, broke Twitter, baffled statisticians, and visibly aged every commentator in the box, South African makeshift captain & No. 3 Wiaan Mulder inexplicably declared the innings on 367* at Lunch on Day 2. He later explained that he “never liked the idea of being remembered,” and the only reason he scored so many runs in the first place was to “confuse generations of future cricket historians.”
Although Mulder publicly stated that he stopped short of the 400* record out of respect for the legendary Brian Lara, our exclusive interview revealed a far more complicated reality.
The Declaration Heard Around the World
Announcement to the Reader:
“We like to ask the tough questions. The ones that have puzzled mankind for centuries:
Did aliens build the Pyramids? Are we alone in this vast Universe? What’s in the Bermuda Triangle?
And most importantly….Why did Wiaan Mulder Declare on 367*? Today, we ask the man himself.”
BCD: “Spill it. Why did you really declare?”
Mulder: “Not gonna say.”
BCD: “For nearly three hours after the declaration, we sat on the edge of our seats, waiting for an explanation. Social media was in meltdown mode. Was it a possible weather alert? Over-rate fines? A silent protest? Or did you just….get bored? What was it, Wiaan? We deserve the truth.”
Mulder: “You don’t wanna know.”
BCD: “Try me.”
Mulder: “It wasn’t a cricketing decision. It was a situational call.”
BCD: “Situational?”
Mulder: “Situation being….I may or may not have gotten a stomach bug…and let’s just say, I had to use the restroom for more than 30 minutes.”
BCD: “So…it wasn’t Lara?”
Mulder: “No, no. Of course it was Lara. I was watching the Wimbledon during lunch and caught a glimpse of him in the crowd. And it reminded me…the great Brian Lara still walks among us.”
BCD: “You were watching Wimbledon while you were in the toilet?”
Mulder: “That’s besides the point.”
BCD: “But why retire on 367?”
Mulder: “367 is a prime number. There was something beautiful, poetic about that.”
BCD: “So now are a math enthusiast too? Alright then, explain this: Why stop short of Lara’s 400, but not Hashim Amla’s 311*? You were on 307 before those back-to-back boundaries…and 307 is also prime.”
Mulder: “Yeah…I have been living with that mistake ever since lunch. Should’ve stopped at 307. Got carried away. Guess I had one too many beers this morning.”
BCD: “Alright then. But you were on 367!”
Mulder: “Some days you average 26.20. Other days, you score 367. Just the law of averages. Nothing more.”
BCD: “But 400 was right there. Why not go all the way or at least attempt to? Won’t you regret it? Records are meant to be broken. How will the sport progress otherwise?”
Mulder: “I knew I was close to a record. That’s when I knew it was time to walk away.”
Pause. Mulder takes a deep breath.
“Besides, breaking 400 would have skewed my Test average too much. I didn’t want to challenge Sobers, Lara, and Bradman on the same day.”
BCD: “You’re saying you declared for statistical balance?”
Mulder: “I am saying…I never liked the idea of being remembered. But I do like the idea of some poor cricket analyst 30 years from now looking at the scorecard and going, “Wait, what?”
And just as I was about to ask my next question, Mulder gazed into the distance, channeled his inner Juliet, and began to speak. Everything slowed down.
Mulder (continued):
“What’s in a number?
Everything in the world is temporary.
Records fade. Players retire. Names blur.
But confusion? Confusion sticks.”
BCD: “What does that even mean?”
Mulder: “Exactly.”
****
Before I could wrap up the interview and tie loose ends, Mulder stood up, dropped his mic, and vanished into the corridor in the most Mulder fashion. No explanation. He left behind an unfinished cup of tea, a stunned reporter, and a world still trying to make a sense of it all.
Sources say that Mulder plans to retire with 799 wickets, 99 hundreds, a Test average of 99.91, and a business startup with Brian Charles Lara called Legacy Records.
In all seriousness, what a wonderful knock by Wiaan Mulder. Scoring a triple century with a 100+ strike rate and then coming out to bowl is out of this world!
What an achievement. You’re a legend in my eyes, Wiaan.
I hope this is just the beginning of many more moments of glory to come. And I hope South African cricket continues to rise like it has over the past few days with spirit, class, and belief.
Also, credit where it’s due: Mulder gave a wonderfully grounded interview to Shaun Pollock after the day’s play.
This is one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen. Wiaan Mulder is a legend, even if he doesn’t think so. https://t.co/2ryHVJTmEM
— Broken Cricket Dreams Cricket Blog (@cricket_broken) July 7, 2025
🚨 Wiaan Mulder by the end of his career
1. Breaks 400* record 2. Takes 11 Wickets in an Innings 3. Catches every catch in the innings 4. Becomes a wicket keeper for a match and inflicts most stumpings 5. Hits 8 Sixes in an Over 6. Scores 952 runs by himself 7. Breaks most…
— Broken Cricket Dreams Cricket Blog (@cricket_broken) July 7, 2025
Cricket fans, I have cracked it.
The only fathomable reason why Wiaan Mulder would declare is because 367 is a prime number.
He saw the beauty in mathematics, and said, “That’s it, I’m done.”
Zimbabwe had South Africa in trouble at 55/4 when debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorious inside-edged to the keeper. The fielding side went up. The umpire and Pretorious stayed still.
Zimbabwe has made an impressive financial comeback, turning their $19 million deficit into stability. As a result, they now have the funds to host 8 Tests, a major win for a small cricketing nation.
But 8 Tests mean up to 40 days of cricket. Even at the minimum rate, implementing DRS for that many days would cost them at least $480,000, and potentially well into the millions.
So, the trade-off is clear: Zimbabwe can either afford to hosts more Tests or implement DRS, but not both.
For those wondering about DRS costs due to the ongoing #SAvZim match,
DRS costs about $60,000-$100,000 a day
For a 2-Test (5 day) series, the costs will rise an extra $600,000 to $2 million
— Broken Cricket Dreams Cricket Blog (@cricket_broken) June 28, 2025
As many have suggested on social media, the more interesting question is: Can the ICC subsidize the cost of DRS around the world?
Taking a Look at ICC’s Financials
Key Takeaways
According to their 2024 Financial Report, the ICC recorded $474 million surplus in 2024, a slight drop from $596 million in 2023.
ODI World Cup years remain the most profitable for ICC, but revenues from T20 World Cups are closing the gap. Notably, 2018 was the only non-pandemic year where ICC recorded a loss ($46 million), incidentally the last time there was no men’s ICC event.
The Bottom Line: Funding DRS across all Test matches would cost the ICC less than 5.1% of the their annual operating costs and about 2.3% of their reserve balance.
ICC Revenues, Costs, Total Surplus
Revenues from ICC Events
Costs from ICC Events
Other Revenues/Costs*
Total Comprehensive Income
2024
+$728,474,000
-$231,674,000
-$22,762,000
+$474,038,000
2023
+$839,147,000
-$246,489,000
+$3,356,000
+$596,014,000
2022
+$412,862,000
-$168,000,000
-$36,487,000
+$208,375,000
2021
+$432,146,000
-$96,510,000
-$10,029,000
+$325,607,000
2020
+$34,771,000
-$34,387,000
-$18,800,000
-$18,416,000
2019
+$602,908,000
-$184,565,000
-$25,683,000
+$392,660,000
2018
+$34,337,000
-$49,501,000
-$31,238,000
-$46,402,000
*Other revenues/cost include interest and investment income, general and administrative expenses, foreign exchange, net gain on financial assets, strategic investments, etc.
In 2017, the ICC restructured its financial model for the 2015-23 period, eliminating the $10-million contribution towards the Test fund. Instead, they agreed to redistribute ICC’s surplus back to the boards after every few years (practically, a bonus). This change actually proved lucrative to the Full Members:
Adjustment of dividend against advance to Members:
2019: -$300,000,000
2023: -$1,418,522,000
“In 2023, these advances have been offset against the surplus distributed to Members with the first tranche of such distribution (i.e. dividends) amounting to USD 300 million declared during the year 2020 and the second/final tranche amount of USD 1,418.5 declared during the year 2023, both with the approval of the Board of Directors.”
“The success of our media rights and commercial programme for our next four-year cycle means we are able to invest more money than ever before into our sport…This is by far the largest level of investment ever to go into cricket. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our Members to accelerate growth and engage more plays and fans and drive competitiveness.”
The Math: What Would it Actually Cost to Fund DRS Globally
There are 71 Test matches scheduled in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Suppose, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Ireland, who are not part of the WTC, play 32 Tests in the next two years. (They are already playing 17 this year, Zimbabwe – 11, Afghanistan – 3, Ireland – 3).
That brings the total to roughly 103 Test matches, or a maximum of 515 days of Test cricket. Recall that DRS costs vary widely based on the setup:
Barebones system: $12,000-$15,000/day
Full-feature DRS: $60,000-$100,000/day
Suppose the ICC negotiates through partnerships, media rights, and pays upfront for the DRS, bringing the costs down to $50,000 per day for a full-functioning system.
At this conservative average,
$50,000/day x 515 days = $25.75 million
Spread over 2 years for the WTC cycle, that’s ~$12.88 million per year
That’s a fraction of ICC’s annual expenses and even less if we consider when you consider the finds available in the reserve pool (And if we really think about it, that’s about the amounts Rishabh Pant ($3.21 million), Shreyas Iyer ($3.18), Venkatesh Iyear ($2.83), Arshdeep Singh ($2.14), and Yuzvendra Chahal ($2.14 million) were paid this year in the IPL. So the money exists in the cricketing world, but the redistribution is the issue).
One alternative approach could be to decouple Snicko and Hawkeye from the DRS package. Snicko alone can cost as little as $3,500/day, while Hawkeye is the most expensive part of the DRS package.
Another idea is for the Big 3 to fund their own DRS (since they have deals with media companies) and for ICC to subsidize DRS outside the Big 3.
Should the ICC Bear the Cost of DRS?
Can the ICC bear the Cost of DRS? Yes.
But should they? That’s less straightforward.
If the ICC uses reserve funds to cover DRS, it may come at the cost of other priorities: Associate cricket development programs, women’s cricket, and grassroots infrastructure. $12-15 million is not a small amount.
Even if those areas are not directly impacted, protecting the surplus might push the ICC further down its current trajectory: expanding media rights, but at the cost of a competitive balance.
The trade-offs?
India-Pakistan forced together in group stages again
ODI World Cup limited to 10-14 teams
Champions Trophy kept alive with little purpose beyond revenue
Back-to-back T20 World Cups, reducing space in the cricket calendar
So yes, the ICC can pay for the DRS, but doing so means reconsidering what they value the most: commercial growth of the game or its fairness.
What would you choose? Risk losing hundreds of thousands of dollars for one inside edge decision or let a single moment swing the course of a match?
****
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RCB finally ended their IPL drought after 18 years. Now South Africa are chasing that glory moment of their own.
After both the women’s and men’s teams fell short in T20 World Cup Finals, the Proteas have one more chance to life an ICC trophy. But they’ll have to go through Australia.
For the neutral fan, it doesn’t get much better than this. South Africa vs Australia at Lord’s. Two teams raised on pace and bounce, now tested under England’s gloomy skies and swinging ball.
What more could you want from a World Test Championship final?
For South Africa, this is more than just a final. It’s the weight of decades.
Just as the the wounds of 1999 began to fade, fresh ones arrived in 2015 and then 2024, with both women’s and men’s team falling at the brink of glory.
And yet, here they are again. Will 21st time be the charm?
“This isn’t just a match. It’s 40 years of South African pain bottled into five days at Lord’s.”
Australia
For Australia, this is familiar territory. Another final, another title in sight. But there are some interesting underwritings for Australia as well.
This could be the last time we see the quartet of Smith, Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins, and Lyon take the field together in a major series or at least in a final.
Australia arrive with tons of experience: 772 Test caps across the squad, including 136 from Nathan Lyon alone. South Africa, on the other hand, only have 367 Test caps.
A team that knows how to win finals against one trying to believe that they can.
Not long ago, Marnus Labuschagne was averaging over 60 in Tests and was hailed as Steve Smith’s natural successor. Since 2023, that number has plunged to 31.54 with only 1 century. His recent first-class form is no better — scores of 23, 0 & 61, 0 & 4, and 23, the last two coming with Glamorgan in County.
Marnus returns to the country that brought him to limelight against the place of his birth. Can he rediscover his edge when it matters the most?
You simply cannot bet against Steve Smith here. Smith thrives in England: 2,255 runs at 55.00, including 8 centuries. His numbers against South Africa are more modest compared to his otherwise Bradman-esque standards (44.94 average with 2 tons).
Fun Fact:In England, Steve Smith has scored almost three times as many runs as the entire South African team combined.
Marco Jansen vs Cameron Green: The All-Round Battle
Jansen and Green represent different brands of modern-day Test all-rounders. Both have the height, Jansen brings more swing and lower order fight, while Green is a solid batter that bowls when he is required.
Extremely valuable to their sides, if either Jansen or Green get going, they can turn the match.
Rabada vs Head: Tempo vs Temperament
Travis Head can win a session on his own, but Rabada is known to strike frequently.
He takes wickets every 39.4 balls and has an average of 22.4. Already a South African great with 327 wickets, he will want to go the next level and win them the title. And don’t forget, he has a point to prove after his recent suspension.
And then there is Aiden Markram. He might just light up the final with a few of those beautiful cover drives even if his stay is brief.
Squad: Scott Boland, Matthew Kuhneman, Beau Webster
Final Thoughts and Predictions
Social media’s buzzing over Josh Hazlewood’s insane record in finals — 9 out of 9 wins. Can he make it a perfect 10?
This may be South Africa’s best shot at a global title. But under cloudy skies, on a Lord’s pitch that offers something every session, it’s hard to look beyond the Australians — especially that bowling unit.
Broken Dream?
Final Test for Nathan Lyon? His rival, R Ashwin retired a few months ago. This is a season of Test retirements, will this by Lyon’s final hurrah?
Prediction
Heart says South Africa, mind says Australia. But I’m going with my gut: South Africa will win a close match.
Rabada knocks over Khawaja early
Cameos from keepers Carey & Verreyne
Gritty knocks in the second innings by Bavuma & Khawaja
Jansen and Hazlewood use the swing, Jansen dazzles with all-round show
Steve Smith left stranded as the lone warrior
Australia have the experience, but you cannot count South Africa out. Test matches are won in moments, and the Proteas have waited a lifetime to create theirs.
That’s it from me. What are your predictions? Comment below or share on social media!
Who are the greatest South African cricketers of all-time?
With the passing of Mike Procter, the Proteas family lost another legend. Today we explore the list of greatest cricketers this African nation has produced.
Let’s dive right in.
Key Takeaways
Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, AB De Villiers, Graeme Pollock, Barry Richards, Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Mike Procter, and Allan Donald have been judged as the Top 10 South African Cricketers of All-Time.
We included several players whose careers coincided with South African’s international isolation due to apartheid (1970-1990), namely Graeme Pollock, Barry Richards, Mike Procter, Clive Rice, Eddie Barlow, Jimmy Cook, Kepler Wessels, Peter Kirsten, David Richardson, Garth le Roux, Ken McEwan and Vintcent van der Bijl.
By the Numbers: The Most Prolific South African Cricketers
Some of the criteria we used to compile this list includes: Most Wickets/Runs in International Cricket*, international caps, ICC Hall of Fame status, World Cup performances, captaincy record, fielding & keeping record, anecdotes (especially for players in the early twentieth century), and match winning performances.
*We considered also considered first class stats for the pre-1990s eras.
Top 10 Most Wickets by South African Bowlers Across Formats: Which South African Cricketer Has taken the Most Wickets?
We first look at the top 10 wicket-takers across formats. Also listed below are the top few wicket-takers in each format for South Africa.
Test: Dale Steyn (439), Shaun Pollock (421), Makhaya Ntini (390), Allan Donald (330), Morne Morkel (309)
ODI: Shaun Pollock (387), Alland Donald (272), Jacques Kallis (269), Makhaya Ntini (265), Dale Steyn (194)
*Does not include wickets taken for World XI teams
Top 10 Most Runs by South African Batters Across Formats: Which South African Cricketer Has Scored the Most Runs?
We now move on to the batting side of things.
Test: Jacques Kallis (13206), Hashim Amla (9282), Graeme Smith (9253), AB de Villiers (8765), Gary Kirsten (7289)
ODI: Jacques Kallis (11550), AB de Villiers (9427), Hashim Amla (8113), Herschelle Gibbs (8094), Graeme Smith (6989)
T20I: Quinton de Kock (2277), David Miller (2227), JP Duminy (1934)
Player
Runs
Centuries
Jacques Kallis
25422
62
AB de Villiers
19864
47
Hashim Amla
18553
55
Graeme Smith
17224
37
Herschelle Gibbs
14661
35
Gary Kirsten
14087
34
Quinton de Kock
12347
28
Faf du Plessis
11136
23
Mark Boucher
10289
6
Hansie Cronje
9279
8
Other South African Records
Here are some other stats that will help us give us a complete picture.
Most Dismissals/Catches Combined: Mark Boucher (988), Quinton de Kock (550), AB de Villiers (475), Jacques Kallis (334), David Richardson (317)
The 100-Test Club: Jacques Kallis (165), Mark Boucher (146), Hashim Amla (124), Graeme Smith (116), AB de Villiers (114), Shaun Pollock (108), Gary Kirsten (101), Makhaya Ntini (101)
Most Matches as Test Captain: Graeme Smith (108), Hansie Cronje (53), Faf du Plessis (36), Shaun Pollock (26), Dean Elgar (18)
Most Matches as ODI Captain: Graeme Smith (149), Hansie Cronje (138), AB de Villiers (103), Shaun Pollock (92), Kepler Wessels (52)
List of South African Players in the ICC Hall of Fame: Allan Donald, Aubrey Faulkner, Jacques Kallis, Graeme Pollock, Shaun Pollock, Barry Richards
Top 51 Greatest South African Cricketers of All-Time (Ranked)
Without further ado, here is the complete list of the 50 greatest South African cricketers of all-time. Enjoy!
Note: Basil D’Oliveira is not considered since he played international cricket for England. He was born in South Africa and moved to England in 1966.
51. Colin Bland (1961-1966)
Role: Batter
Matches: 21 (Test), 131 (FC)
Runs: 1669 (Test), 7249 (FC)
Hundreds: 3 (Test), 13 (FC)
Catches: 10 (Test), 51 (FC)
Colin Bland revolutionized fielding with unmatched athleticism and set an example for future Protea teams.According to ESPNCricinfo, “Colin Bland will go down in cricket history as one of the greatest cover fielders.” With such greatness, I had to put him in this list.
Role: All-Rounder (Left Handed Batter, Right Arm Off Spinner)
Matches: 46 (Test), 199 (ODI), 81 (T20I)
Runs: 2103 (Test), 5117 (ODI), 1934 (T20I)
Hundreds: 6 (Test), 4 (ODI)
Wickets: 42 (Test), 69 (ODI)
JP Duminy specialized in playing cameos in pressure situations down the order. Played a key part in the monumental 414 chase against Australia at Perth in the 4th innings, stitching a 111-run partnership with AB de Villiers.kepp
Fanie de Villiers, a force to be reckoned with in South African cricket during the 1990s, claimed 85 Test scalps and 121 ODI dismissals with his precise bowling
Jock Cameron, a cricketing stalwart of the early 20th century, distinguished himself with his masterful wicketkeeping skills and gritty batting. Once in a 1929 County cricket match, he took six catches and also had one stumping.
Kepler Wessels, a true pioneer in South African cricket, won hearts with his gutsy batting, shrewd leadership, and the sheer joy he brought to the game, playing a key part in the nation’s cricketing resurgence while charming fans with his infectious spirit and love for the sport. Played for both Australia and South Africa.
*Only South African statistics shown. Overall, he played 40 Tests & 109 ODIs.
First South African to play 50 Tests. A constant force behind the stumps much like Boucher in the 2000s. Holds the South African record for joint most dismissals (26) in a 5-Test series.
One of the most classical batters in South African history, producing some of the slowest innings of all-time. Noted for carrying the bat and batting for nine hours for a 105 against Australia.
A specialist limited over batter, Miller will go down as perhaps the greatest #6 ODI batter of all-time along with Michael Bevan, Jos Buttler, and MS Dhoni.
At #6, Miller scored 2718 runs, 3 centuries, and twenty 50+ scores at an average of 40.56 & 104.78 SR. When in form, Killer Miller is just a sight to watch.
*He might rise up the list by the end of his career.
Not many people can boast that they changed their field of expertise. Jonty Rhodes definitely did. With his iconic diving catches and flying run outs, he captured audiences worldwide.
Daryll Cullinan, renowned for his elegant batting, showcased his prowess in memorable matches like his 275 against New Zealand in 1999, and his crucial knocks against Sri Lanka and England, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in South African cricket during the 90s.
Brian McMillan, a key figure in South African cricket during the 1990s, played pivotal roles in memorable matches such as the 1992 World Cup and the historic readmission series, showcasing his all-round skills with both bat and ball
Garth le Roux, a fearsome fast bowler, struck fear into batsmen with his raw pace and hostile deliveries, making him a formidable force in South African cricket during the 1980s, and leaving a lasting impact with his aggressive bowling style and crucial wicket-taking ability.
*His entire career was during South Africa’s isolation
Herbie Taylor, a cricketing legend of the early 20th century, was celebrated for his elegant batting style and astute captaincy, leading South Africa with distinction and leaving an enduring legacy as one of the country’s finest batsmen and leaders on the cricket field.
Jimmy Sinclair, a cricketing pioneer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, captivated audiences with his exceptional batting and laid the foundation for South African cricket’s rich heritage.
Oneof the premier left handed batters of the 2010s, Elgar’s leadership ensured that South Africa had one world class senior batter during their transition period. One word comes to mind when watching Elgar bat, tenacity. Ready to take body blows and challenge the world.
Vernon Philander gave the South African bowling an edge like never before. They have always had pace, seam, and bounce. Philander’s ability to swing it both wayswas exactly what the Proteas needed to complement Steyn & Morkel.
Role: All-Rounder (Left Handed Batter, Left Arm Medium Pacer)
Matches: 41 (Test), 179 (FC)
Runs: 2516 (Test), 11289 (FC)
Hundreds: 1 (Test), 26 (FC)
Wickets: 123 (Test), 534 (FC)
5-fers: 5 (Test), 24 (FC)
Trevor Goddard, a cricketing stalwart of the 1950s and 1960s, was a formidable all-rounder celebrated for his left-arm spin bowling and solid batting, playing a pivotal role in South African cricket history with his match-winning contributions and leadership on the field, earning him a revered status among fans and peers alike.
A late entrant on the international stage, he grabbed his opportunity with both hands. His epic at Adelaide, blockathon at Delhi, and captaincy towards the end of his career, was the highlight of his career. Still plies his trade around the world after re-inventing himself as a swashbuckling T20 opener.
Bruce Mitchell, a luminary of South African cricket during the 1930s and 1940s, captivated audiences with his elegant stroke play and strategic brilliance, amassing over 3,000 Test runs at an impressive average of 48.88.
If you search hard enough, Imran Tahir is probably still playing somewhere around the world and running around the ground with his infectious celebration. Completed South Africa’s bowling attack in the 2010s. One of the greatest spinners to play for South Africa and definitely the greatest leg spinner.
Matches: 3 (Test), 4 (ODI), 270 (FC), 286 (List A)
Runs: 107 (Test), 67 (ODI), 21143 (FC), 10639 (List A)
Hundreds: 64 (FC), 24 (ODI)
Jimmy Cook, a stalwart of South African cricket during the apartheid era, demonstrated exceptional resilience and skill, dominating domestic cricket with his prolific run-scoring and earning widespread admiration despite being denied international opportunities due to the country’s sporting isolation.
Top 25 Greatest South African Cricketers of All-Time: Absolute Greats
We are halfway there…
25. Quinton de Kock (2012-)
Role: Wicketkeeper Batter
Matches: 54 (Test), 155 (ODI), 80 (T20I)
Runs: 3300 (Test), 6770 (ODI), 2277 (T20I)
Hundreds: 6 (Test), 21 (ODI), 1 (T20I)
Dismissals: 232 (Test), 226 (ODI), 92 (T20I)
A child prodigy that fulfilled his potential. After Graeme Smith retired, Quinton de Kock fit straight through. Even though his Test and ODI careers did not last as long as people would have wanted, he provided plenty of memories. He always got his best out against India and his swivel sixes is still one of the sweetestshots in cricket.
One ofthe top bowlers of the current era. Alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Rabada is a complete bowler across formats. If he stays fit, he has the potential to break Steyn’s record of 439 Test wickets.
Dudley Nourse, a cricketing legend of the mid-20th century, captivated audiences with his elegant batting style and remarkable consistency, leaving an enduring legacy as one of South Africa’s finest batsmen, whose contributions during the pre- and post-war era remain etched in cricketing folklore.
He served in the Middle East during the World War.
Peter Pollock, a pace bowling sensation of the 1960s and 1970s, showcased his fiery pace and lethal accuracy, leaving a lasting impact on South African cricket with his ability to dismantle batting lineups, epitomizing the spirit of aggression and skill on the field.
For every Michael Jordan, there is a Scottie Pippen. The height and constant line and lengthmade him a threatening bowler. Combined with Steyn, the duo destroyed plenty of batting line ups around the world.
Eddie Barlow, the dynamic all-rounder of South Africa in the 1960s and 1970s, left an indelible mark with memorable performances like his 114 against Australia in 1966 and his vital contributions in the series against England in 1965
Gary Kirsten, a prolific batsman of the modern era, distinguished himself with his exceptional technique and unyielding determination, playing a pivotal role in South African cricket’s resurgence in the 1990s and early 2000s. He produced memorable performances such as his monumental 275 against England in 1999 and 188* in an ODI, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s cricketing icons.
Coached India to 2011 World Cup victory to furthercement his name in history.
Makhaya Ntini, a relentless fast bowler, broke barriers as the first black African cricketer to play for South Africa, leaving an indelible mark with his raw pace, fierce competitiveness, and memorable performances, inspiring a generation of young cricketers and symbolizing the transformation of South African cricket.
Aubrey Faulkner, a cricketing pioneer of the early 20th century, mesmerized audiences with his remarkable all-round abilities, excelling as a stylish batsman and a cunning spin bowler, leaving an enduring legacy as one of South Africa’s greatest cricketers and a trailblazer for generations to come.
Hugh Tayfield, a spin bowling maestro of the 1950s, spun his way into cricketing history with his impeccable accuracy and cunning variations, amassing a record-breaking tally of wickets for South Africa and etching his name among the pantheon of cricketing legends.
Mark Boucher is perhaps the most prominent figure behind the stumps in modern cricket. For 15 years, he almost played every match for the Proteas and was a constant force. He had moments with the bat as well such as sealing the 434 chase against Australia in 2006.
Role: All-Rounder (Left Handed Batter/Right Handed Medium Pacer)
Matches: 49 (Test), 171 (ODI)
Runs: 1906 (Test), 3576 (ODI)
Hundreds: 4 (Test), 2 (ODI)
Wickets: 80 (Test), 192 (ODI)
5-fers: 1 (Test), 6 (ODI)
If you look purely from career stats, Klusener might not be able to compete with the rest of South Africa’s great all-rounders. However, his 1999 World Cup heroics pushes him up. This was the closest South Africa were to a World Cup win.
281 runs at 140.5 average and 122.17 SR to go along with his 17 wickets and 4 player of the match performances. Pioneered the finisher and power hitting role in ODI cricket.
Herschelle Gibbs was quite the character. The dynamic between the strokemaker Gibbs & gritty Smith helped them become a strong partnership over the years. Gibbs had several moments of his own- The Six Sixes in the 2007 ODI World Cup, 175 in that iconic 434 chase, (oh yeah, and dropping Steve Waugh in the 1999 World Cup).
Clive Rice, a dominant force in South African cricket during the apartheid era, showcased exceptional leadership and all-round skills, symbolizing resilience and determination, and leaving a lasting legacy as a true cricketing icon.
Top 10 Greatest South African Cricketers of All-Time: Undisputed Legends
Time for the Final 10!
10. Allan Donald (1991-2003)
Role: Fast Bowler
Matches: 72 (Test), 164 (ODI), 316 (FC)
Wickets: 330 (Test), 272 (ODI), 1216 (FC)
5-fers: 20 (Test), 2 (ODI), 68 (FC)
Allan Donald took South African fast bowling to new heights. Handed off the baton to the likes of Shaun Pollock, Ntini, and provided a template for Steyn to follow. Action, pace, celebration, Donald had it all.
According to ESPNCricinfo, Mike Procter was “probably one of the most natural talents the game has ever seen.” Set the tone for great right handed fast bowling all-rounders to come from this region of the world.
One of the most elegant opening batters of all-time. He had all the ingredients—Time, Placement, Finesse. Fastest to 3000, 4000, 6000, and 7000 ODI runs.
One of the greatest left-handed openers of all-time, certainly in the Top 3 of the 21st century. Not theprettiest stroke player, it was his grit, courage, and leadership that differentiated Smith from the rest. Playing with a broken hand, Smith earned the respect of themighty Australians and the rest of the cricketing fraternity.His captaincy led South Africa to a new era after the match fixing crisis.
A cricketing genius known for his sublime batting, international cricket missed out on one of the great talents. Played only 4 Tests but showed what he could do with 2 hundred, 2 fifties, and average of 72.57. Otherwise racked up 28358 runs with the best score of 356.
One of the most elegant left handers of his time, Graeme Pollock played the last of his 23 Tests at the age of 26. Scored a magnificent 274 in the same test as Richards’ 140. South Africa declared for 622/8 and won by an innings and 129 at Durban against Australia. Little did they know that this was their last international series.
Opened the bowling for over a decade and built partnerships with Donald, Ntini, and later Steyn. Solid batter down the order as well and captained South Africa to the 1998 Commonwealth Gold, still one of the only victories to their name.
The most versatile batter of the modern age. He had the technical abilities to score 33 (220) and 43 (297) and the destructiveness to score the fastest hundred.One of the original stars of the IPL. Unfortunate to not lift a World Cup and retired from international cricket during his prime.
The most prolific South African Test fast bowler and arguably the best fast bowler of all-time. He had the perfect action, the rhythm, the speed, and that iconic celebration. The heart of the South African Test team that won around the world between 2008-2015. Freak injuries curtailed his career but his passion came through with multiple comeback attempts.
Simply the Greatest. Jacques Kallis is a name synonymous with consistency, hardwork, and discipline. His batting numbers themselves push him into legendary status but it was his fast bowling that provided South Africa the balance they needed.
Honorable Mentions: List of Players that were considered
Honorable Mentions: Ken McEwan, Albie Morkel, Paul Adams, Cyril Vincent, Anrich Nortje, Vincent van der Bilj, Herbert Taylor, Alan Courie, Basil D’Oliviera, Frank Roro, Eric Petersen, Hylton Ackerman Sr, Henry Fotheringham, Ken McEwan, Stephen Jefferies, Denys Hobson, Ray Jennings, Jock Cameron, Denis Lindsay, Dave Richardson, Jimmy Sinclair, Herbie Taylor, Jackie McGlew, Temba Bavuma, Neil McKenzie, Ashwell Prince, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Charl Langeveldt, Keshav Maharaj, Andre Nel, David Richardson, Nicky Boje
Note: “Frank Roro is widely considered the first great black African cricketer” according to ESPNCricinfo although he did not play international cricket.
List of South African Players in World Cup Squads
One key aspect of picking South Africa’s greats was looking at their tournament history and squads.
South Africa won the 1998 Commonwealth Games, 1998 Champions Trophy, and the ICC Test Mace (2013-2015). They were also semi-finalists in the 1992, 1999, 2007, 2015, and 2023 ODI World Cups along with the 2009 & 2014 T20 World Cups.
Here are the complete squads of those tournaments (except for the Test mace).
1998 Champion Squads
1998 Champions Trophy: Hansie Cronje (C), Mark Boucher (WK), Dale Benkenstein, Nicky Boje, Derek Crookes, Daryll Cullinan, Alan Dawson, Steve Elworthy, Jacques Kallis, Gary Kirsten, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Jonty Rhodes, Pat Symcox
1998 Commonwealth Games: Shaun Pollock (C), Mark Boucher (WK), Alan Dawson, Andrew Hudson, Dale Benkenstein, Derek Crookes, Henry Williams, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Makhaya Ntini, Michael Rindel, Nicky Boje, Paul Adams, Steve Elworthy
ODI World Cups
1992 ODI CWC: Kepler Wessels (C), David Richardson (WK), Tertius Bosch, Hansie Cronje, Allan Donald, Omar Henry, Andrew Hudson, Peter Kirsten, Adrian Kuiper, Brian McMillan, Meyrick Pringle, Jonny Rhodes, Mark Rushmere, Richard Snell
1999 ODI CWC: Hansie Cronje (C), Mark Boucher (WK), Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Daryll Cullinan, Dale Benkenstein, Shaun Pollock, Jonty Rhodes, Allan Donald, Derek Crookes, Alan Dawson, Lance Klusser, Steve Elworthy, Nicky Boje
2007 ODI CWC: Graeme Smith (C), Mark Boucher (WK), AB de Villiers (WK), Loots Bosman, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, Justin Kemp, Charl Langeveldt, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Robin Peterson, Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince, Roger Telemachus
2015 ODI CWC: AB de Villiers (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir
2023 ODI CWC: Temba Bavuma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andel Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams, Rassie van der Dussen, Sisanda Magala*, Anrich Nortje*
*replaced due to injury
T20 World Cups
2009 T20 WC: Graeme Smith (C), Mark Boucher (WK), Yusuf Abdulla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Roelof van der Merwe
2014 T20 WC: Faf du Plessis (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Beuran Hendricks, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe
Final Thoughts
The rich tapestry of South African cricket is woven with the extraordinary contributions of countless remarkable players spanning different eras.
From the pioneering feats of Jimmy Sinclair and Herbie Taylor to the modern-day brilliance of stars like AB De Villiers and Dale Steyn, each player has left an indelible mark on the sport, shaping its history and inspiring generations.
Through their skill, resilience, and unwavering passion, these cricketing icons have not only entertained fans but also united a nation, showcasing the transformative power of sport in South Africa and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Greatest South African Cricketers of All-Time
Who are the greatest South African cricketers of All-Time?
Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, AB De Villiers, Greame Pollock, Barry Richards, Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Mike Procter, and Allan Donald were judged as the Top 10 Greatest South African Cricketers of All-Time.
Which cricket talent did South Africa lose out during their international cricket isolation due to apartheid?
Some great players like Graeme Pollock, Barry Richards, Mike Procter, Clive Rice, Eddie Barlow, Jimmy Cook, Kepler Wessels, Peter Kirsten, David Richardson, Garth le Roux, Vincent van der Bijl, and Ken McEwan lost out on some or all of their careers in the isolation era.
South Africa Cricket Schedule 2023 Cricket World Cup—The Complete Guide.
Can South Africa conquer the World Cup? How does their schedule look? We will answer all of your questions.
Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways
South Africa begin their opening match against Sri Lanka on October 7, 2023 and play their last group stage match against Afghanistan on November 10, 2023.
The high stakes South Africa vs New Zealand match is scheduled on November 1, 2023 at in Pune.
All of South Africa’s matches are Day-Night affairs, scheduled to begin at 2 PM local time.
South Africa Cricket Schedule 2023 Cricket World Cup: List of South Africa’s World Cup Fixtures
1. South Africa vs. Sri Lanka – Oct 7, 2023
SA vs SL 2023 ODI World Cup Details
Venue: Delhi
Stadium: Arun Jaitley Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
SA vs SL 2023 Preview
South Africa’s opening match is against Sri Lanka, a team that has had a series of ups and downs in recent times. Both teams will be looking to start on a winning note to set a positive tone for the rest of the tournament.
2. South Africa vs. Australia – Oct 12, 2023
SA vs Aus 2023 ODI World Cup Details
Venue: Lucknow
Stadium: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
SA vs Aus 2023 Preview
Rematch of the recent SA-Aus bilateral series. Both teams will have seen each other a lot recently. At Lucknow, it will be a battle of spin. With QDK, Markram, and Klaasen on their side, I am giving this one to the Proteas.
Stadium: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
SA vs Neth 2023 Preview
South Africa will face Netherlands in their third match. Despite Netherlands being a team of lesser experience, South Africa cannot afford to take them lightly and will need to bring their top performance to secure victory.
4. South Africa vs. England – Oct 21, 2023
SA vs Eng 2023 ODI World Cup Details
Venue: Mumbai
Stadium: Wankhede Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
SA vs Eng 2023 Preview
In Mumbai, the chasing team usually wins. Expect this to be a high scorer. Long time IPL franchise for Quinton de Kock, can he bring them home? Also, watch out for Jos Buttler from the opposition. He loves to play in Mumbai.
South Africa meets Pakistan next, a team that can be highly competitive on their day. It will be a closely contested match, and South Africa will need to play at their best to secure a win.
South Africa-New Zealand has been an underrated World Cup rivalry i over the past couple of decades. Expect this one to be just as close.
8. South Africa vs. India – Nov 5, 2023
SA vs Ind 2023 ODI World Cup Details
Venue: Kolkata
Stadium: Eden Gardens
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
SA vs Ind 2023 Preview
South Africa’s penultimate group-stage match is against India, one of the tournament favorites. South Africa will need to bring their best form to this match to ensure a strong finish to the group stages.
9. South Africa vs. Afghanistan – Nov 10, 2023
SA vs Afg 2023 ODI World Cup Details
Venue: Ahmedabad
Stadium: Narendra Modi Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
SA vs Afg 2023 Preview
Despite being expected to win, South Africa should not underestimate Afghanistan.
Final Thoughts
If South Africa play to their potential, they have a good chance of making it to the knockout stages.
England & Australia are South Africa’s big name opponents in the first few games. If they can defeat these two, they will definitely be favorites to go through the semis.
They have an excellent squad but as shown against Australia in T20s, they can fall apart easily as well.
What do you all think?
If you like this content on the 2023 ODI ircket World Cup fixtures, check these out as well:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – South Africa Cricket Schedule 2023 Cricket World Cup
Who are the key players for South Africa in the ODI World Cup 2023?
Key players to watch out for from the South African side are Quinton de Kock with his aggressive batting style and the duo of Anrich Nortje & Kagiso Rabada with his penetrating bowling. These players could heavily influence South Africa’s performance in the tournament. Klaasen has been in top notch form recently as well.
What are the challenges for South Africa in the group stages of the ODI World Cup 2023?
South Africa will be up against a number of strong teams in the group stages, which includes Pakistan, India, and Australia. These matches will test South Africa’s adaptability and consistency throughout the tournament. How they play spin and bowl spin will determine how far they go.
What should be South Africa’s strategy for the ODI World Cup 2023?
South Africa should focus on capitalizing on their strong fields, such as their fast bowling and aggressive batting. Further, they need to demonstrate consistency in their performance and strategic adaptability against each opponent. Going hard early with Markram, QDK, and Klaasen will be key.
Time for the 2023 Cricket World Cup South Africa Squad edition.
South Africa have released their squads for the series against Australia. Although this is not the official World Cup squad, it gives us a glimpse into their preliminary squad (especially since World Cup is only two months away now).
Let’s jump right in.
Key Takeaways from South Africa’s ODI Squad Announcement
The average age of South Africa’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad is 29.9. South Africa is going with a healthy mix of youth and experience. They have youngsters Coetzee (23) & Jansen (23) as well as experience international players like Miller, Rabada, Quinton de Kock, Markram, Parnell, and Shamsi.
The 15-member South Africa’s preliminary World Cup squad has average ODI match experience of 55 ODIs (823 among 15 players). David Miller (160), Quinton de Kock (145) & Kagiso Rabada (92) are their most experienced players, while the likes of Dewald Brevis have yet to debut in international cricket.
South Africa’s squad composition is as follows: 7 proper batters (with one part-time bowling option), 2 all-rounders, and 6 proper bowling options. In total, South Africa has 9 bowling options (1 off spin, 1 left arm pace, 2 left arm spin, and 5 right arm pace) in their squad if absolutely needed.
South Africa have 2 left-handed batting options (QDK, Miller) and two wicketkeeping options.
Keshav Maharaj suffered from Achilles injury earlier this year but is fit for the World Cup. Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, and Sisanda Magala have all been ruled out due to injuries.
10 South African Players Who Were Unlucky to Miss Out
Anrich Nortje, Sisanda Magala, Wayne Parnell, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Bjorn Fortuin, Janneman Malan, Donovan Ferreira, Faf du Plessis, George Linde
3 Surprise Picks for South Africa’s World Cup Squad
I have a good feeling about South Africa’s squad this time around, do you?
Klaasen, Markram, Rassie, & Nortje are in their form of their lives, Miller-Rabada-Quinton de Kock-Shamsi are some of the best cricketers going around, and the exciting youth talent of Brevis-Stubbs-Jansen-Coetzee is just the cherry on top.
Can they keep their cool and finallly lift the World Cup trophy?
Only time will tell. But in the mean time, I would love to know what your thoughts are on this. Comment Below with a ‘Yes’ if you think they can win the world or ‘No’ if you think they cannot.
Related ODI World Cup Articles
If you liked this article, be sure to check some of the other World Cup content:
What is the average age of South Africa’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad?
South Africa’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad average age is 31.8 years. South Africa is going with a healthy mix of youth and experience. They have youngsters like Brevis (20), Coetzee (22), Stubbs (23), Jansen (23) as well as experience international players like Miller, Rabada, Quinton de Kock, Markram, Parnell, and Shamsi.
Who is selected for South Africa’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad?
Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Bjorn Fortuin, Sisanda Magalaa, Gerald Coetzee, Wayne Parnell, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, and Lungi Ngidi are selected for South Africa’s preliminary ODI World Cup squad 2023.
SA20 Auction gathered lots of attention around the world.
This was not like South Africa’s earlier failed attempts to a T20 league. Graeme Smith is at the head of the organization (league commissioner), the IPL groups own all the franchises, and there was even an auction in this one. This was actually quite an enthralling event to witness.
Big Takeaways & Highlights from SA20 Auction
Sri Lankan (most) players go unsold despite a stellar Asia Cup performance
MI Cape Town stay true to their franchise and get as many as six uncapped South African players
This was a proper T20 league auction. Not one where home grown players’ reputation was kept in thought. T20 captain Temba Bavuma, Test captain Dean Elgar, and Andile Phehlukwayo were all unsold.
Tristan Stubb’s profile skyrockets. From an injury replacement at Mumbai Indians to $519,000 price at the SA20 auction.
Just like the IPL, the auction propelled a few relatively unknown names in the bags of riches. In this case, it was Donavon Ferreira at $311,000.
Prior to the auction, each franchise could acquire the services of maximum five players – 1 South African (capped), 1 uncapped, and three overseas players.
MI Cape Town (owned by Mumbai Indians group): Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Sam Curran, Dewald Brevis (uncapped)
Durban Super Giants (owned by Lucknow Super Giants group): Quinton de Kock, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Reece Topley, Prenelan Subrayen (uncapped)
Base price -175,000 Rands ($10,000): Chris Wood, Duanne Olivier, Daryn Dupavillon
SA20 Auction Round 10 – The Nexxt
This was an express round for uncapped players.
Players
International Team
Franchise
Price Sold (South African Rands)
US Dollar Conversion
Jordan Cox
*Uncapped English player
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 325,000
$18,000
Dilshan Madushanka
Sri Lanka
Durban Super Giants
R. 275,000
$15,235
List of Unsold Players in Round 9
Base price -175,000 Rands ($10,000): Andile Simelane, Tiaan van Vuuren, Jonathan Bird, Caleb Seleka, Matthew Boast, Bryce Parsons, Dunith Wellalage
SA20 Auction Round 11 – The eXXpress Auction
Players
International Team
Franchise
Price Sold (South African Rands)
US Dollar Conversion
Johnson Charles
West Indies
Durban Super Giants
R. 425,000
$24,000
Adam Rossington
*Uncapped English
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 425,000
$24,000
Nandre Burger
*Uncapped South African
Joburg Super Kings
R. 175,000
$10,000
Donavon Ferreira
*Uncapped South African
Joburg Super Kings
R. 5,500,000
$311,000
Matthew Breetzke
*Uncapped South African
Durban Super Giants
R. 175,000
$24,000
Mitchell van Buuren
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Wihan Lubbe
South Africa
Paarl Royals
R. 350,000
$20,000
Marco Marais
*Uncapped South African
Pretoria Capitals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Delano Potgieter
*Uncapped South African
MI Cape Town
R. 175,000
$10,000
Roelof van der Merwe
South Africa/Netherlands
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 175,000
$10,000
Marques Ackerman
*Uncapped South African
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 175,000
$10,000
Ferisco Adams
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 325,000
$18,000
Imraan Manack
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Christiaan Jonker
South Africa
Durban Super Giants
R. 175,000
$10,000
Evan Jones
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 1,700,000
$96,000
Malusi Siboto
*Uncapped South African
Joburg Super Kings
R. 175,000
$10,000
Ramon Simmonds
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 175,000
$10,000
James Fuller
*Uncapped South African/New Zealand
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 425,000
$24,000
List of Unsold Players in Round 10
Base price – 850,000 Rands ($48,000): Adam Lyth
Base price: – 425,000 Rands ($24,000): Jeffrey Vandersay, Jake Lintott, Paul Walter, Tom Moores, Sam Cook, George Scrimshaw
Base price -175,000 Rands ($10,000): Grant Roelofsen, Glenton Stuurman, Mbulelo Budaza, Ziyaad Abrahams, Aya Gqamane, Steve Eskinaz, Diego Rosier, Khaya Zondo, Johan van Dyk, Pieter Malan, Dayyan Galiem, Henry Brookes, Farhaan Behardien, Pite van Biljon, Unmukt Chand, Bayers Swanepoel
SA20 Auction – Round 12 – The eXXpress Auction
Players
International Team
Franchise
Price Sold (South African Rands)
US Dollar Conversion
Odean Smith
West Indies
MI Cape Town
R. 1,700,000
$96,000
Jimmy Neesham
New Zealand
Pretoria Capitals
R. 3,600,000
$203,000
Eoin Morgan
England
Paarl Royals
R. 2,000,000
$113,000
Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka
Pretoria Capitals
R. 425,000
$24,000
Brydon Carse
England
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 425,000
$24,000
Sarel Erwee
South Africa
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 175,000
$10,000
Simon Harmer
South Africa
Joburg Super Kings
R. 200,000
$11,000
Wiaan Mulder
South Africa
Durban Super Giants
R. 1,900,000
$107,000
Caleb Seleka
*Uncapped South African
Joburg Super Giants
R. 175,000
$10,000
Daryn Dupavillon
South Africa
Pretoria Capitals
R. 1,700,000
$96,000
Ziyaad Abrahams
*Uncapped South African
MI Cape Town
R. 175,000
$10,000
Wesley Marshall
*Uncapped South African
MI Cape Town
R. 175,000
$10,000
Aya Gqamane
*Uncapped South African
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 175,000
$10,000
Codi Yusuf
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Olly Stone
England
MI Cape Town
R. 850,000
$48,000
Grant Roelofsen
*Uncapped South African
MI Cape Town
R. 175,000
$10,000
Shane Dadswell
*Uncapped South African
Pretoria Capitals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Eathan Bosch
*Uncapped South African
Pretoria Capitals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Tom Abell
*Uncapped English
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 850,000
$48,000
Final List of Unsold Players in Round 12
Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Andile Phehlukwayo, Roston Chase, Craig Overton, Siyabonga Mahima, Thimas Kaber, Paul Walter, Sam Cook, Diego Rosier, Farhaan Behardein, Pieter Malan, Rahkeem Cornwall, Hardus Viljoen
Frequently Asked Questions – Get to Know the Players
Who is Junaid Dawood?
Junaid Dawood is a 25-year-old leg break bowler who plays domestic cricket in South Africa.
Who is Shaun von Berg?
Shaun von Berg is a South African bowling allrounder from South Africa.He is a 36-year-old cricketer who has played 124 first class matches and has taken 447 wickets. He was recently purchase by the Pretorius Capitals in the SA20 auction.
Does Ross Taylor still play cricket?
Even though Ross Taylor retired earlier in 2022, he still plays exhibition cricket. He played for the Road Safety series and was in the SA20 auction. He was unsold with base price at 850,000 Rands ($48,000).
Who is Nandre Burger?
Nandre Burger is a 27-year-old South African cricketer. He is a left-handed medium-fast bowling all-rounder.
Who is Donavon Ferreira?
Donavon Ferreira is a 24-year-old South African cricketer. He is a wicketkeeper from Pretoria. He was sold for 5,500,000 South African Rands ($311,000) in the SA20 Auction to Joburg Super Kings.
Who is Matthew Breetze?
Matthew Breetze is a 23-year-old South African cricketer who is a wicket-keeper from the Eastern Province.
Which team purchased Mitchell van Buren in the SA20 Auction?
Mitchell van Buuren, a 24-year-old legspinner from South African was purchased by the Paarl Royals.
Who is Wihan Lubbe?
Wihan Lubbe is a South African cricketer who has played 2 T20Is.
Was Unmukt Chand picked up the 2022 SA20 Auction?
No, Unmukt Chand, an U-19 World Cup winning captain from India who now plays for Team USA, was not picked up for SA20 Auction. His base price was 175,000 South Africa Rands.
Who are the captains in SA20 cricket league in South Africa?
Rashid Khan (MI Cape Town), Quinton de Kock (Durban Super Giants), Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Faf du Plessis (Joburg Super Kings), David Miller (Paarl Royals), and Wayne Parnell (Pretoria Capitals) are the six captains of the SA 20 franchise league.
How many foreign players can play in the XI in SA20?
Four foreign players can play in the XI at the same time in SA 20.
West Indies from the 1980s and Australia from the early 2000s have usually held the tag of the greatest cricket teams to ever to be assembled, but do they have a new challenger now?
With the Australia women team winning the 2022 Commonwealth Gold medal, the debate is on—is this Australian women team among the greatest cricketing sides ever?
List of Greatest Cricket Teams
We will consider the modern-day cricket i.e. only the eras after the 1970s (there were great dominant Australian teams in the 1940s and earlier as well).
Winners of the 1975 ODI World Cup, 1979 ODI World Cup, and Runner Up in the 1983 ODI WC (regarded as a massive upset), Clive Lloyd’s men etched their name into glory.They were world beaters in Test match cricket as well with towering fast bowlers even till the mid-1990s.
Record
Most Consecutive Test Series without defeat (29), from 1980-1995
Key Players
Clive Lloyd (C), Garfield Sobers, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Sir Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Lance Gibbs, Colin Croft, Deryck Murray, Lawrence Rowe, Alvin Kallicharan, Roy Fredericks, Rohan Kanhai, Larry Gomes
2020 T20 World Cup, 2022 ODI World Cup, 2022 Commonwealth Gold, 26 Winning ODI Streak (2018-2021)
Women’s cricket in Australia was always going to be one step forward due to awareness and funding. They have most of the ODI and T20 World Cups anyway, so how much better could this team be?
Well, this team is very, very good. They do not lose Test matches, have only lost a couple of ODIs in the last four years, and when it seemed the gas was running out, Ash Gardner & co made sure Australia had the mental strength to comeback from jaws of defeat. All this with the great Ellyse Perry on the sidelines.
16 Series Without Defeat (2001-2004) followed by 9 series (2005-2008)
Key Players
Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh, Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds, Michael Bevan, Mark Waugh, Dean Jones, Darren Lehmann, Damien Martyn, Stuart MacGill, Jason Gillespie, Simon Katich, Brad Hogg, Brad Hodge, Michael Kasprowicz, Andy Bichel, Nathan Bracken
During this era, South Africa did not win a World Cup. Nor did they establish absolute dominance, but the thing was in an era where the Australian side had begun their descent, no team in the world was quite as strong.
South Africa though challenged teams all around the world, most notably winning in Australia and drawing in India. The era finally collapsed after 2015-16 season, but they gave it all in their final stand – The Blockathon.
Test Record
14 series without defeat (2008-14)
Key Players
Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, AB De Villiers, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Mark Boucher, Vernon Philander, JP Duminy, David Miller, Imran Tahir, Shaun Pollock (end of career), Makhaya Ntini (end of career), Ashwell Prince
Most World Cup winning teams are some of the greatest teams in a nations history, but why did I choose the England 2015-2022 team? It is because of the dominant nature of their high risk ODI cricket that they became famous for. Started by Brendon McCullum in the 2015 ODI World Cup, Eoin Morgan took the baton and carried England forward.
Yes flat pitches, bigger bats, and all but 498/4, 481/6, 444/3, 418/6, 408/9, & 399/6 is just another level of dominance. High risk meant that they lost more often, but they changed ODI cricket forever.
Key Players
Eoin Morgan, Joe Root, Alex Hales, Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, David Willey, Sam Curran, Mark Wood, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, James Vince, Joe Denly
Honorable Mention
Sri Lanka (1996-2015), Pakistan (1985-1999), India (2008-2013), India (2018-present), South Africa (1992-1999), England (2008-2011)
Do you agree that these are the greatest cricket teams? Comment below and let us know.
Time for another World XI with Twists – Kolpak South African Cricketers Edition.
Huge revelation today – Quinton de Kock bid adieu to Test Cricket at the age of 29 after India brushed them aside in the first Test at Centurion. For more than a decade, South Africa have suffered a loss of talent to England through the Kolpak deal and now they have lost yet another great player, this time to overkill of cricket.
What Has South African Cricket Been Through Recently?
From being the #1 Test side for over a decade to becoming the “team in transition,” things have been far from ideal for South African cricket fans.
AB De Villiers retired from all of cricket, finally quashing the “Will he-Won’t he-Should he Return” debate. Faf du Plessis (retired from Tests to focus on T20I comeback), Imran Tahir, and Chris Morris have been shunted out from national selection due to their T20 leagues commitments. Dale Steyn hung up his boots, while Vernon Philander, Hashim Amla (lack of form) and Morne Morkel (now an Australian citizen) retired prematurely and took Kolpak deals post-retirement. In 2021, the domestic system has been restructured, SJN (Social Justice and briefly Nation Building) report has sparred nobody including Boucher-Smith, and the QDK kneeling controversy has further added to the fuel.
Only the 4/5 wins and positive brand of cricket in the 2021 T20 World Cup was a shining light. That too ended in a traditional disqualification due to net run rate.
However, since Brexit the Kolpak deal no longer holds, and the players are eligible for comeback. Blessing Muzarabani has been a ray of hope for Zimbabwe while David Wiese (ex-South African international) had a stellar T20 World Cup with Namibia. Wayne Parnell became the 1st official Kolpak player to make a comeback while Duanne Olivier is inching closer and closer.
Can Kolpak South African cricketers revive the Proteas ill-fated destiny?
Today’s Twist
Build 2 World XIs:
(1) A current XI of Kolpak South African Exodus players who are eligible for a South African comeback (Note they do not have to be contracted by a domestic team yet. Only that they are not retired and could comeback sometime in the future)
(2) An All-Time Best XI of Kolpak Players (retired)
The Catch
The XI needs to have five bowlers & a wicketkeeper.
*Note this does NOT include the list of players who were born in South Africa and are now settled in different countries representing England, Australia, New Zealand, Namibia, Netherlands, USA, etc. Those players are in the list linked below.
Overall around 69 cricketers have taken up Kolpak deals at some points in their career (49 from South Africa, 6 Zimbabwe, 2 New Zealand, and 12 West Indies – 7 Barbados, 3 Jamaica, 1 Trinidad and Tobago, 1 Guyana).
Additionally, around 39 cricketers were born in South Africa but have represented other countries & left South Africa earlier like Devon Conway and Kevin Pietersen. Then there are some like Dawid Malan (born in England, raised in South Africa, went back to England for international cricket) and Dane Piedt (left for USA but has not played an international for them yet), who are in neither of those lists.
Hence, there are at least 80 high profile cricketers that were from South African origin but did not represent the Proteas for at least some portion of their careers (Remember SA was banned from international cricket due to Apartheid in the 1980s, which was the beginning of the exodus).
Let us add another layer. Due to overkill of cricket, politics, and financial opportunities, AB De Villiers, Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Morne Morkel, and Graeme Smith retired relatively early. Others took up coaching opportunities outside, further weakening the domestic circuit.
*Grant Elliot is a South African born cricketer, who played for New Zealand and later took a Kolpak deal after retiring from New Zealand duty.
What do you think about Kolpak South African cricketers’ comeback? COMMENT BELOW AND LET US KNOW!
Current Kolpak XI Eligible for South African Comeback
From the 49, here are 14 Kolpak South African cricketers who are eligible for an international comeback. Practically, the reserve South African XI disappeared in a decade.
Previous Teams: Cape Cobras, Western Province, South Africa A
SA Domestic Team (Current): Boland
Claim To Fame
Stiaan van Zyl became the 100th player to score a Test century on debut and yet, he left for England after just 12 Tests.
What did South Africa Miss?
A top order batter who could bowl fast medium, South Africa missed the balance (especially after Kallis’ retirement), reserve depth in batting, and a weaker domestic system without a batter of his caliber.
2. Richard Levi (2014)
International Debut:February 6, 2012International Matches: 13 T20Is
Age Left: 26 Age Now: 33
County Team: Northamptonshire (earlier Somerset)
T20 Teams: Mumbai Indians
Previous Teams: Cape Cobras, Western Province, South Africa A, South Africa U-19, South Africa XI
SA Domestic Team (Current):Has not played again in SA domestic circuit yet
Claim To Fame
Fastest T20I hundred (off 45 balls against New Zealand in 2012) at that time. Also had most sixes in a T20I (13) in that innings. Played only 13 T20Is before heading out.
What did South Africa Miss?
A swashbuckling opening batter in limited overs (Think Brendon McCullum-Martin Guptill-Colin Munro esque) who was ahead of his times when the T20 format was in its infancy. Could have been an ideal foil for QDK-Amla at the top in T20Is.
3. Rilee Rossouw (2016)
International Debut:August 20, 2014International Matches: 36 ODIs, 15 T20Is
Previous Teams: Free State, Eagles, South Africa A, South Africa U-19
SA Domestic Team (Current):Knights (T20)
Claim to Fame
After beginning his international career with a series of ducks, he stabilized his spot in the international team with3 ODI hundreds, 7 fifties and two T20I fifties (here is his 78 vs Australia, where he overshadowed the likes of QDK, Miller, and Duminy).
Played the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2016 T20 World Cup. Now sought after in T20 leagues around the world.
What did South Africa Miss?
The messiest exit of all and the one that hurt the most. South Africa had heavily invested in Rossouw, and he had become the next big middle order player in the South African line-up, one that would almost certainly replace the great AB De Villiers. Rossouw exited over an iPhone email to coach Russell Domingo and even spelled Domingo’s first name incorrectly. Scored a century in his last ODI (122 vs Australia) and was the player of the series in that series (311 runs). Little did Protea fans know that it was to be his final time in South African colors.
4. Heino Kuhn – WK (2018)
International Debut:July 6-9, 2017International Matches: 4 Tests, 7 T20Is
Age Left: 33 Age Now: 37
County Team: Kent (Northerns earlier)
Previous Teams: Titans, South Africa A
SA Domestic Team (Current):North West
Claim To Fame
Overall 11,000 first class runs with 24 hundreds and 58 fifties. Did not light up the international circuit in his short stay, but is a stalwart of South African domestic circuit.
What did South Africa Miss?
Left after CSA conveyed the message to him that his chances at international cricket would be limited. The domestic circuit was further weakened by his exit in his first class prime.
5. Colin Ingram (2014)
International Debut:October 8, 2010Interational Matches: 31 ODIs, 9 T20Is
Age Left:Age Now: 36
County Team: Glamorgan
Previous Teams: Free State, Eastern Province, Warriors, South Africa A
T20 Teams: Islamabad United, Trinbago Knight Riders, St. Lucia Zouks, Oval Invincibles, Hobart Hurricanes, Adelaide Strikers, Delhi Capitals
SA Domestic Team (Current):Has not played again in SA domestic circuit yet
Claim To Fame
With 3 ODI hundreds and 3 fifties in ODIs and a 78 in T20Is, he had a decent limited overs career. However, these days he is known for being the most famous South African T20 export, playing in almost all leagues around the world.
Stability in the middle order in limited overs cricket. It is clear after 15 years of T20I cricket that boundary percentage, pressure situation experience, and T20 leagues are the backbone of world winning T20I sides. Apart from Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, and AB De Villiers, Colin Ingram would have bolstered SA in this regard.
6. Dane Vilas – WK
International Debut:March 30, 2012International Matches: 6 Tests, 1 T20I
Age Left: 30 Age Now: 36
County Team: Lancashire
Previous Teams: South Western Districts, Lions, Cape Cobras, South Africa A, South Africa XI
SA Domestic Team (Current):Has not played again in SA domestic circuit yet
Claim to Fame
Has scored over 9700 first class runs with 22 centuries. Appeared in the movie Hansie as Allan Donald.
What did South Africa Miss?
SA missed out on a great wicket-keeping substitute. AB De Villiers took the burden as keeper for most of his career. and Quinton de Kock’s entry signaled the end of Vilas’ international career. However South Africa would have liked long-term wicket-keeping reserves just like India had Parthiv Patel, Wriddhiman Saha, Dinesh Karthik, and Rishabh Pant in case of injury to MS Dhoni (or playing alongside for an extended batting order).
Reserve depth in the medium pace allrounder-finisher slot. After Viljoen, Wiese, & Parnell left, Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, and Wiaan Mulder were the only names left. With Morris’ strained relationship with CSA and Phehlukwayo’s loss of form, SA does not have many options anymore. At only 32 and back in SA domestic circuit, there may be an opening for a comeback.
County Team: Worcestershire (Sussex, Kent earlier)
Previous Teams: Cape Cobras, Eastern Province, Warriors, South Africa U-19, South Africa A
T20 Teams: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Barbados Tridents, Pune Warriors, Delhi Daredevils
SA Domestic Team (Current):Western Province
Claim To Fame
Youngest player to get a CSA contract after his early age/U-19 World Cup heroics, Parnell burst onto the scene around the 2009 T20 World Cup. Good performances lead to a great IPL deal, and Parnell became a rising star.
He played in a couple more World Cups but injuries meant other bowlers jumped ahead in the pecking order. He left for a Kolpak deal but has come back, still only 32.
What did South Africa Miss?
A left-arm seamer for variation. Marco Jansen grabbed eyeballs with his great debut against India, but that is exactly what South Africa have been missing. Among the Steyn-Morkel-Philander-Rabada-Nortje generation, there haven’t been as many left-arm swing bowlers in the last decade for South Africa apart from Parnell (like Boult, Starc, and Shaheen). Good allrounder as well.
9. Simon Harmer (2016)
International Debut:Jan 1-5, 2015, International Matches: 5 Tests
Age Left: 27 Age Now: 32
County Team: Essex
Previous Teams: Border, Warriors, Eastern Province, South African Universities, South Africa A
SA Domestic Team (Current):Titans
Claim To Fame
He is well known for self-acclaimed statement that he is the best-off spinner in the world. With 719 first class wickets and the highest wicket-taker in England first class for the last five years, that may actually be true (along with Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin).
Although leg spinners were in demand in 2010s (Tahir) and left arm spinners are now at the top of the demand list (Maharaj, Shamsi, Fortuin, Linde), they have been missing a world class off spinner. Aiden Markram’s off-spin can only take you so far…
County Team: Hampshire (Middlesex, Worcestershire other teams)
T20 Leagues: Pune Warriors, Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Lahore Qalandars
Previous Teams: Dolphins, Warriors, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa A
SA Domestic Team (Current):Boland
Claim To Fame
With Steyn-Morkel-Philander at their peak, Abbott did not get consistent opportunities but made the most of it when he was given a chance, especially in limited overs. The 2015 World cup semi-final broke the backbone of the South African team as an injured Vernon Philander was picked (due to political interference/quota system) over Kyle Abbott, the man in-form. South Africa lost, and slowly began to crumble.
Abbott announced his Kolpak decision after everything had been confirmed (without informing CSA) on the same day as Rilee Rossouw—the ultimate double jolt.
What did South Africa Miss?
South Africa missed a smooth transition between the Steyn-Morkel generation and the Rabada-Ngidi generation. Abbott had been earmarked as the next leader in line but that did not happen. Thankfully, Rabada had a great couple of years and Nortje followed it up with a good partnership.
Abbott is back in SA although he has not yet committed to an international return. His first goal is to get back in form due to the Covid-induced break.
11. Duanne Olivier (2019)
International Debut:Jan 12-14, 2017, International Matches: 10 Tests, 2 ODIs
Age Left: 26 Age Now: 29
County Team: Yorkshire
Previous Teams: Free State, Knights, South Africa U-19
T20 Teams: Jaffna Stallions, Jozi Stars
SA Domestic Team (Current):Lions
Claim To Fame
48 Test wickets in 10 matches at an average of 19.25, what a brilliant start to his career. In the second series against Pakistan, he took two 5-fers in a match and went onto take 24 wickets in the series (best haul in a 3-match series since 1902-03), thereby becoming the player of the series.
What did South Africa Miss?
When one door opens, another closes.
Abbott left on January 1st, 2017. Olivier began his journey on January 12th, 2017. It looked like South Africa had found a replacement right away. It worked in their favor for about two short years, before he was picked by Yorkshire. Broken dreams for South African fans again.
12. Marchant de Lange (2017)
International Debut:Dec 26-29, 2011, International Matches: 2 Tests, 4 ODIs, 6 T20Is
Age Left: 25 Age Now: 31
County Team: Glamorgan
Previous Teams: Eastern, Free State, Titans, Knights, Pretoria University, South Africa Academy
SA Domestic Team (Current):Has not played again in SA domestic circuit yet
Claim To Fame
In a bowling attack comprising of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir, and Jacques Kallis, de Lange came up with figures of 23.2-3-81-7 in his debut bowling performance.
What did South Africa Miss?
Unfortunately, injuries meant he could never cement a place in the South African squad and hence, took the Kolpak deal in 2017. Still only 31 and the joint highest wicket taker in the Hundred, he could be a dark horse for a comeback.
Squad:
13. Cameron Delport (holds a British passport and signed with Essex – plays T20 leagues around the world)
14. Farhaan Behardien, former South African T20 captain, has signed with Durham (before Brexit so his future is safe with them) but has not played yet due to COVID.
*This does not include Dane Piedt & Juan (Rusty) Theron, who have gone to the United States as an alternate option.
List of All-Time Kolpak South African Players
South Africa Exodus XI
Faf du Plessis (2007, came back again)
Neil McKenzie (2010)
Jacques Rudolph (2007, came back to SA again; later went back to England as an overseas player)
Hashim Amla (2019)
Ashwell Prince (2013)
Justin Kemp (2008)
Andrew Hall (2008)
David Wiese (2017)
Paul Harris (2006, came back again)
Ryan Maclaren (2007, came back to SA again; later came back to England as an overseas player)
Morne Morkel (2018)
First Choice Squad:
12. Alfonso Thomas (2008), 13. Lance Klusener, 14. Shaun Pollock (2008), 15. Nicky Boje (2008), 16. Vernon Philander (signed but cancelled), 17. Charl Langeveldt (2008), 18. Andre Nel (2009)
Squad: 19. Claude Henderson, 20. Greg Smith (2004), 21. Riki Wessels, 22. Charl Willoughby, 23. Martin van Jaarsveld, 24. Zander de Bruyn (2005), 25. Garnett Kruger, 26. Tyron Henderson (2007), 27. Dillon du Preez, 28. Dominic Telo, 29. Friedel de Wet, 30. Johan van der Wath, 31. Nantie Hayward (2008), 32. Johann Myburgh (2011), 33. Gareth Roderick (2012), 34. Alviro Peterson (2015), 35. Daryn Smit – WK (2017)
List of Non-South African Kolpak Players
Dwayne Smith (2008, West Indies – Barbados)
Brendon Taylor – WK/Captain (2015, Zimbabwe, later came back)
Murray Goodwin (2005, Zimbabwe)
Grant Flower (2004, Zimbabwe)
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (2017, West Indies – Guyana)
Grant Elliot (2017, New Zealand)
Brendan Nash (2013, West Indies – Jamaica, born in Australia)
Wavell Hinds (2008, West Indies – Jamaica)
Kyle Jarvis (2013, Zimbabwe)
Blessing Muzarabani (2018, Zimbabwe, later came back)
Fidel Edwards (2015, West Indies – Barbados, later came back)
Squad:
12. Ravi Rampaul (2016, West Indies – Trinidad & Tobago), 13. Ottis Gibson (2004, West Indies – Barbados), 14. Miguel Cummins (2019, West Indies – Barbados), 15. Tino Best (2017, West Indies – Barbados), 16. Pedro Collins (2007, West Indies – Barbados), 17. Corey Collymore (2008, West Indies – Barbados), 18. Jermaine Lawson (2008, West Indies – Jamaica, later moved to the USA), 19. Andre Adams (2008, New Zealand), 20. Anthony Ireland (2007, Zimbabwe)
What Was the Kolpak Deal?
The Kolpak ruling was named after Maros Kolpak (handball player from Slovakia) by the European Court of Justice. It was submitted on 28 November, 2000 and decided on 8 May, 2003.
County cricket had limited each team to have at most one overseas player. Earlier in 1995, the Bosman ruling had already admitted players from EU (like the Netherlands) to be considered as domestic players. The Kolpak ruling now allowed citizens of other countries with EU Association Agreements to have the same rights to work. Hence, a cricketer from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Jamaica, or Barbados did not eat up the overseas spots of counties.
However, they had to give up their international career until the Kolpak contract expired.
Why Did Kolpak Deal End?
With Brexit, the UK withdrew from the European Union (effective 31 January, 2020), thereby ceasing the Kolpak deal.
Yes, Kolpak players can now play for South Africa (beginning in 2022). They are already able to be picked domestic South African sides. Wayne Parnell has played a few ODIs upon his return and Duanne Olivier has starred in some Test matches.
Has Kolpak ended?
Yes, the Kolpak deals ended as of January 31st, 2020, when the United Kingdom officially left the European Union.
Why do South African cricketers leave South Africa?
South African cricketers leave South Africa for multiple reasons—financial opportunities, administrative drama, quota system, Apartheid, passport of another country through family citizenship, and decreasing value of the South African Rand (7.81 rands = $1 in Jan 30, 2012 to 18.52 on April 29, 2020).
How many cricketers took the Kolpak deal?
Overall around 69 cricketers took Kolpak deals at some points in their career (49 from South Africa, 6 Zimbabwe, 2 New Zealand, and 12 West Indies – 7 Barbados, 3 Jamaica, 1 Trinidad and Tobago, 1 Guyana).
Which Kolpak South African players are available for a national comeback?
Stiaan van Zyl, Richard Levi, Rilee Roussow, Heino Kuhn, Colin Ingram, Dane Vilas, Hardus Viljoen, Wayne Parnell, Simon Harmer, Kyle Abbott, and Duanne Olivier are eligible for a South African cricket team national comeback (or have already been picked).
2021 T20 World Cup Team Review Time. Here is the complete dissection of every team. The best moments, analysis, stats, and what changes need to be made for each team to succeed in the upcoming 2022 T20 World Cup. Comment below on your favorite moment of this T20 World Cup and what you think about their prospects in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
Australia—a name so synonymous to Cricket World Cups it is not even a surprise they somehow managed to win this one. Unlike most times, though, they were not even in Top 5 Favorites this time around. Even Bangladesh & Afghanistan were fancied more since Australia has lost their last 4 T20I bilateral series and were hammered 4-1 in Bangladesh.
Lots of good stories for Justin Langer’s group. A group of lovely characters, marked by Stoinis, Zampa, Wade, Maxwell combined with their star power in Warner-Smith-Cummins-Hazlewood-Starc deliver unlikely victory. Hazlewood’s accuracy, Zampa’s wicket-taking abilities, Warner’s consistency, Mitchell Marsh’s coming of age, Steve Smith’s boundary catching, and Stoinis-Wade’s finishing combined to make this a dangerous T20 side.
Now Australia has won everything—Women’s ODI & T20I World Cups, U-19 World Cups, Men’s ODI & T20 World Cups & Champions Trophy. Looks like life is all good for Australia and free of Paine…
Mitchell Marsh’s Dream Final, Matthew Wade-Marcus Stoinis Partnership, Cummins at the Death
Luck Factor (Or the Lack of)
Aaron Finch Wins All the Tosses
Broken Dreams
Starc 4-0-60-0 in the Final. Does he merit a place in the 2022 T20 World Cup Squad?
What Does Australia Need to Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Home World Cup, expectations on them. No team has won two consecutive T20 World Cups or a T20 World Cup at home. Now, they have a good T20 core group from which they can challenge the rest of the world. The real question here is—Can Australia continue playing the same brand of cricket?
2. New Zealand 2021 T20 World Cup
New Zealand are the best all-format team to beat at the moment, aren’t they? 2 ODI World Cup finals in a row (2015, 2019), current World Test Championship holders, and now the runners up in a T20 World Cup. Just like Australia, not many expected them to get to semi-finals, let alone the finals. With an early loss to Pakistan, things did start positively for them. Credit to them, they strangled India, survived threat against Namibia, and continued on their marching way before the Neesham-Mitchell assault shocked England.
Positives? Mitchell’s inspirational promotion & Top 3’s solo performances (Mitchell’s 72*, Williamson’s 85, & Guptill’s 93, Southee’s economical World Cup, shining Boult & Sodhi (if we take out Sodhi’s final), roaring Milne in his comeback, and Neesham, who finally gets his revenge.
Negatives? Conway-Phillips-Seifert had been one of the reasons for NZ’s success in T20I’s over the past year, but none of them had a stellar performance. Conway played a crucial recovery innings in the semi-finals, Phillips (once a keeper) bowled some tight off spin and hit Zampa for a six in the final, but other than that, nothing much of note. Also Guptill’s 27 (35).…say no more.
Kane Williamson (216) Martin Guptill (208) Daryl Mitchell (208)
Highest Wicket Takers
Trent Boult (13)
X Factors
Daryl Mitchell – the Opener, Neesham – the Finisher, Fielding Unit, Southee Reinvents Himself
Broken Dreams
Lockie Ferguson ruled out before the WC; Devon Conway injures himself by punching his bat after his semi-final dismissals; Misses the Final; New Zealand struggle early on and ends up on the runners up podium again.
What Does New Zealand Need to Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
New Zealand made it to the final on the back of good strategy and smart cricket. However, it is unlikely that this squad will succeed again in 2022 in Australian conditions. Do all three of Ish Sodhi-Todd Astle-Mitchell Santner fit in the 15? Does Martin Guptill continue or will Finn Allen be given a chance? Can both Adam Milne & Lockie Ferguson make the XI? Where does Tim Seifert fit in the equation? So many questions, less than 335 days, as Jimmy Neesham puts it.
3. Pakistan 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Will Pakistan get a better chance? World Cup in the UAE, Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan in the form of their lives, bowling good as usual, fielding better than ever, Asif Ali finally coming into his own, and the 40 year youngsters Hafeez and Malik matching everybody else.
5 group matches, 5 different player of the match awards. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Asif Ali, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shoaib Malik. And the most runs of the tournament by their captain Babar Azam?
How did they get here? By completely dominating the match against India (via Shaheen’s opening spell including that ball to KL Rahul), completed a low scorer against NZ, crushed Afghanistan with Asif Ali’s 4 sixes, and brushed Scotland & Namibia by batting first.
Pakistan, who have been disappointed by NZ and England cricket boards, were writing a lovely beautiful story. However, just as in the 2010 T20 WC semi final against Australia, the story went off track. A left handed middle order batter finished it off with consecutive sixes against Pakistan’s best bowler. It was Mike Hussey Vs Saeed Ajmal 11 years ago. It was Matthew Wade Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi this year.
Shadab Khan (9) Haris Rauf (8) Shaheen Shah Afridi (7)
X Factors
Haris Rauf’s death bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Powerplay, Imad Wasim-Shadab Khan’s miserly spells, Babar-Rizwan partnerhship, Malik-Asif Finishing
Broken Dreams
Hasan Ali’s Form Lose a Close Semi-Final After Winning 5/5 Group Matches and dominating 35 overs of the semi=final
What Does Pakistan Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Although Pakistan were possibly the best team throughout this year, they will have to make several changes next year due to conditions. A 150-160 score may not be defendable, the bowling combinations might need to be tweaked, and some young aggresive batters like Haider Ali will need to be placed in the XI.
4. England 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
I have two points of view on this England campaign. One can say that just like Pakistan, it was an underwhelming campaign since they dominated the group stages and failed to finish the semi-final like the Carlos Brathwaite final 5 years ago.
On the other hand, England were already missing Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Sam Curran. During the tournament, they lost Tymal Mills, their best death bowler, and Jason Roy. The fact that they still dominated the tournament shows the marvelous depth in English cricket right now.
The positives? Moeen Ali’s all round package, Chris Woakes’ opening spells, Tymal Mills’ international comeback, Adil Rashid’s magic, Livingstone’s off-spin/leg-spin, and Jos Buttler’s century.
Adil Rashid (9) Moeen Ali, Tymal Mills, Chris Woakes (7) Liam Livingstone, Chris Jordan (6)
X Factors
Tymal Mills’ death bowling, Moeen Ali’s all-round show; The Beast that is Buttler
Broken Dreams
Favorites fail to lift the T20 World Cup again; Tymal Mills & Jason Roy out injured mid-tournament; Morgan-Livingstone underwhelm with the bat
What Does England Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Given Eoin Morgan’s batting form, he is almost nearing the end of his England journey although his captaincy was still top notch. Ashes is around the corner, and it is too soon to predict squads since injuries/retirements/mental health breaks are around the corner due to their grueling schedule. Malan & Moeen might stay, but Morgan might not make the XI if Stokes is back. If England can find depth & consistency in their death bowling (need to look past Jordan & Tom Curran), then this golden generation might have lift the T20 World Cup trophy.
5. South Africa 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
One of the two teams that would go back with positives. Despite the Quinton de Kock Controversy early on, South Africa held themselves up nicely under captain Temba Bavuma.
Anrich Nortje was devastating throughout the tournament, even a sub-par Kagiso Rabada got a hat-trick, Killer Miller came back to win a thriller against Sri Lanka, Rassie Van der Dussen-Aiden Markram made huge strides, and spinners Markram-Maharaj tied down the opposition. The peak of their journey was the final match where they defeated tournament favorites England, and dented their confidence going to the semi-finals.
The only two blips? The narrow loss against Australia in the opening game of the Super 12s and the slow chase against Bangladesh meant they finished they barely failed to qualify due to net run rate.
I had anticipated South Africa would miss ABD, Faf, Tahir, and Morris but evidently they made it work.
Nortje-Shamsi brilliant with the ball, Markram-van der Dussen brilliant with the bat, The Return of Killer Miller, and Temba Bavuma’s captaincy
Broken Dreams
Quinton de Kock & Cricket South Africa’s miscommunication and mini-scandal Failing to Qualify for the Semi-Finals on NRR again
What Does South Africa Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
South Africa need more stability in their middle order. The bowlers can defend middling scores in all conditions, but inconsistency in batting and lack of death is holding them back. They have a good core, if they do not get the Group of Death again, they will definitely be semi-finalist contenders.
6. Sri Lanka 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
The most improved and watchable team of the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka was the only team in the first week to look a class apart. In the Super 12s, they began positively with an improbable chase against Bangladesh and pushed England to the edge. However, they never really recovered from their last over loss against South Africa.
Asalanka & Rajapaska were the pick of the batters, opposition had no clue for their mystery spin, and Lahiru Kumara’s aggressive attitude and speed took opposition by surprise.Wanindu Hasaranga is having a dream year, and he was one of the standouts of this World Cups, both with the bat and the ball.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s All-Round Show, Lahiru Kumara’s aggression, Nissanka-Asalanka-Rajapaksa form core for the future
Broken Dreams
Lose Steam Towards The End After Winning 5 Overall
What Does Sri Lanka Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
From 2015, Sri Lanka had been in grave transition. They finally found a group of players they can persist with in the near future.Hasaranga, Asalanka, & Rajapaksa defined this team with their positive brand of cricket. Finally opener Pathum Nissanka and mystery spinner Theekshana are really good prospects for Sri Lanka. If the seniors—Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, captain Dasun Shanaka, (maybe Chandimal & Matthews as well?) and the pacers Chameera-Kumara can come together, they might be the dark horse for the next World Cup.
Unfortunately just failed the direct qualification to the Super 12s, so have to go through the double qualification once again.
7. India 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
A tough tournament for Indian fans.
A dismal loss against Pakistan, a week long break, no intent against their WC arch-nemesis, New Zealand, and three spirited efforts against Afghanistan, Scotland, and Namibia to boost their net run rate. However, NZ’s victory against Afghanistan ensured India was never really in the tournament apart from outside mathematical calculations. It was the vulnerability against left arm seamers and good fast bowling once again that left India on the backfoot against Pakistan & NZ respectively.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s control in the middle overs and the intent shown by KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma at the end were some positives for India.
Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja (7) Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami (6)
X Factors
R Ashwin’s economical middle overs; Rahul-Sharma opening partnership (when they played with freedom)
Broken Dreams
India loses against arch-nemesis NZ; First WC Loss to Pakistan; Favorites crash out without a fight; Shami suffers social media abuse; Kohli’ bows out captaincy career without a title
What Does India Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Revamp their whole squad might be a rash decision, but something out of the ordinary is needed. Although some bold decisions were taken for this tournament, more game time is needed for a new-look T20I team. KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma should stay opening partners, Suryakumar, Pant, Bumrah, & Jadeja should remain in the fray, but the rest is up in the air, especially for Australian conditions.
Does Kohli fit in or do India do what England did to Root? Ashwin has been good, but Chahal definitely merits a place back. What about the Hardik Pandya problem? Can India find batters that in the top 4 that can bowl? India have the players, but maybe it is a curse rather than a blessing in ICC tournaments for this immense depth.
8. Afghanistan 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Afghanistan did not have the worst of tournaments and were in contention till the very last day of the Super 12s, but there is a feeling that they could have done better.
In these conditions, Rashid-Mujeeb-Nabi were devastating individually but could not all fire together. The openers gave them spark, but not consistently. Najibullah Zadran was in his peak for, Hamid Hassan was back, and captain Mohammad Nabi batted with responsibility. Muscular Gulbadin Naib had a decent outing, and so did Naveen-ul-Haq. The only team to bat first with confidence and defend scores, their change of strategies in the crunch game against India did not work out for them.
Post the Pakistan game, it all just fell apart. 4 sixes in a row prompted freak retirement announcement by senior batter Asghar Afghan in the middle of the tournament. They could not manage to upset India or NZ, which is all that was needed.
Mystery Spinners; Nabi-Najibullah late order hitting; Zazai-Shahzad provide some good starts
Broken Dreams
Did not upset any of the big 3 in the group—NZ, Pakistan, & India Tough close loss against Pakistan and subsequent retirement of Asghar Afghan in the middle of the tournament derailed their campaign
What Does Afghanistan Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
First they need to ensure no administrative turmoil. For the last two World Cups now, they have had captaincy changes right before the tournament. Afghanistan might be upbeat for next year since many of their players have BBL experience in Australia. All they need ais a couple of fast bowlers and Qais Ahmed back, and this team can outdo any other on a given day.
9. Namibia 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
The story of the tournament by far.
First time qualifying for a cricket world cup since 2003 and guess what? Not only winning one game but THREE GAMES! Defeated the European trio of Ireland (full member), Netherlands, and Scotland and got a direct entry to the 2022 T20 World Cup.
The middle order, led by David Wiese, was their saving grace but their disciplined bowling, led by Trumpelmann & Wiese, kept them in the game, even against the likes of Pakistan and New Zealand. Trumpelmann’s 3-wicket opening over & JJ Smit’s finishing heroics over Scotland was the highlight of their tournament. Kudos to captain Erasmus for playing the tournament with a broken finger.
Jan Frylinck (9) David Wiese (6) Ruben Trumpelmann (6)
X Factors
Lower Middle Order Trumpelmann’s Opening Spells
Broken Dreams
None Really. Except for their opening game against Sri Lanka, they competed well throughout the tournament even against Full Members
What Does Namibia’s Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
If Namibia need to improve and go one step further, they need to add a bit of spice to their bowling attack. For their first 10 overs, they are good but need to keep opposition down at the death.Can they make it to the Super 12s again?
10. Scotland 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Scotland experienced high highs and suffered low lows.
From 53-6 in their opening game against Bangladesh, a Chris Greaves inspired victory gave them victory over Bangladesh. They dominated the early groups with 3 wins in 3 matches. They nosedived with a 130-run loss against Afghanistan’s spin in the first match of the Super 12s and never recovered. Their only hope was against Namibia which they made a game out of, but still lost.
The bowlers came to the party, especially Mark Watt (1/19, 1/23, 1/23, 1/23, 1/22, 1/13, 1/20, 0/41) but their famed batters let them down.
Richie Berrington (177) George Munsey (152) Matthew Cross (135) Michael Leask (130)
Highest Wicket Takers
Josh Davey (9) Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal (8) Mark Watt (7) Chris Greaves (6)
X Factors
Watt’s Economical (6.13) Consistency, Berrington’s Fifties, Fast Bowlers Accurate, Leask’s Power Hitting, The Rise of Chris Greaves, Matt Cross’s Commetnary Behind the Stumps
Broken Dreams
Kyle Coetzer & Heralded Top Order Suffer Collective Failure
What Does Scotland Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Are Scotland’s golden era ageing or was it just the conditions? The good thing is they have qualified for the 2022 T20 World Cup by the virtue of qualifying for the Super 12s. They need batting depth and power hitters to complement their bowlers. Should still make it past the early group into the Super 12s next year.
11. West Indies 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Well the Last Dance was not meant to be. Only one win overall, and that too by 3 runs.
Not only did West Indies not qualify for the semi-finals, they had a horrible time. Bundled out for 55 against England, they never really figured out what their approach will be. Go all guns blazing like Lewis tried or hang in there like Lendl Simmons? Gayle-Pollard-Russell were almost no shows, and Jason Holder as replacement (who should have been in the squad in the first place) was the only spark.
Akeal Hosein was the find for West Indies, filling Fabian Allen’s left arm spin shoe perfectly as were Pooran-Hetmyer briefly. It was good to see Bravo & Gayle having fun in what may be their last T20I.
55 All Out Obed McCoy Injury Lendl Simmons’ Slow Show Dwayne Bravo Retires Chris Gayle (almost) retires Horror show for T20 stars Gayle, Pollard, Russell Hat-trick Dream Unfulfilled
What Does West Indies Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
A completely rejig of the squad is needed. Hetmyer, Pooran, Lewis, Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein, and even Kieron Pollard might stay but it is the end of the road for Gayle, Bravo, Russell? and Rampaul. It would be interesting to see if Roston Chase stays and if ‘rotating the strike’ will come into their T20 philosophy. West Indies of the 2010s changed T20 cricket with their boundary hitting but they need to move on with the times.
12. Bangladesh 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Where do I even start?
I was a fan of the rising Bangladesh ODI team and had them as a semi-finalist possibility, but this team was a complete no-show. Expected to do well in spinning UAE conditions and after dominating Australia & New Zealand at home in dust bowls, this was a huge let down.
For the first time in recent WCs, the seniors did not stand up (Shakib in the first few games apart) which exposed the gaps in the rest of the team. The likes of Liton Das, Soumy Sarkar, and Afif Hossain have not really become consistent cricketers that Bangladesh needed.
The worst part was the last couple of games. Losing a WC happens, but giving up without a fight was truly disappointing as they were skittled for 73 and 84 respectively against Australia & South Africa.
Taskin Ahmed’s comeback spirit and Mahedi Hasan were the only positive.
Shakib Al Hasan (11) Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman (8)
X Factors
Taskin Ahmed’s Energy Mahedi Hasan Shakib Al Hasan in the early stages
Broken Dreams
Mahmudullah’s captaincy decisions Mushfiqur Rahim’s lack of form Liton Das’s Horror Show Youngsters Fail To Rise to the Occasion Mustafizur Expensive Shakib Al Hasan’s Injury
What Does Bangladesh Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
The next generation of Bangladesh cricket need to come in. Already the likes of Saif Hasasn, Najmul Hossain Shanto, leg spinner Aminul Islam, U-19 winning captain Akbar Ali among others have been selected for the Pakistan T20I series while Mushfiqur Rahim is dropped. I expect the Fab 4 to be in the squad in Australia, but maybe not a regular XI spot. This is the step in the right direction, but one year is too less for a T20I team to develop. It may take a few years to bounce back.
13. Oman 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Oman will have mixed feelings from this World Cup.
First of all, they were wonderful hosts and made sure the tournament started off the right foot (beautiful background as well). After winning the first game against PNG comfortably, they would have felt they are almost into the Super 12s, but they let the tense game against Bangladesh slip.
Bilal Khan, Zeeshan Mazsood (5) Kaleemullah, Fayyab Butt (4)
X Factors
Jatinder Singh-Aqib Ilyas Opening Partnership
Broken Dreams
Had a foot in the door early on, but could not maintain momentum; This was a good chance to qualify to the next round since all matches were at home
What Does Oman Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
They need to go back and qualify for the 2022 T20 World Cup. They need to make sure their middle order batters can endure pressure moments. Qualification cycles can be difficult, so we do not know if we will see them again. With Zimbabwe back in the qualifiers, it will just be harder.
14. Ireland 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
All was well and good with the world when Curtis Campher took 4 wickets in 4 balls and Ireland hammered the Netherlands. However, Sri Lanka’s big defeat rocked their NRR and a rising Namibia overthrew them as the ‘Associate giant.’
It was just destiny. Ireland upset the big teams 15 years ago to gain respect for the Associate nations, and now when they are a Full Member, a stronger set of Associate nations are beginning to upset them.
Josh Little the only positive for them apart from Campher.
Curtis Campher, The Double Hat-trick Man (or 4-in-4?)
Broken Dreams
Full Member Ireland seem to be regressing in T20Is despite strides in ODI cricket
What Does Ireland Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Ireland’s golden generation has ended, and it will take a while for the young guns to pick up but T20 cricket is just not suited to their styles.Probably the end of the road for Kevin O’Brien. Honestly, I do not see Ireland see improving much unless T20 franchise leagues start acquring talent like Paul Stirling and Josh Little.
15. Papua New Guinea 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Papua New Guinea brought the world to the Cricket World Cup. Although they did not win any games, their family-like spirit took the fans by delight.
The partnership between Assad Vala and Charles Amini against Oman displayed that these bunch of players possess a lot of talent if they are given the environment to flourish. Some good hitting at the end by Doriga as well against Scotland to keep the game interesting.
Charles Amini-Assad Vala show the flair in their side Brilliant diving catches and disciplined fielding throughout
Broken Dreams
Go Home With No Wins
What Does Papua New Guinea Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
They have to go through qualification again. The next World Cup is near their home in Oceania, but is their World Cup qualification dream too far?
16. Netherlands 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Netherlands were a rising team over the last couple of years, but questionable selections and lack of preparation due to COVID-19 meant they could not carry their form in the tournament.
106/10, 44/10 and losing to Namibia after scoring 164/4. Not much of note apart from Max O’Dowd’s form. They came in with good form and called upon RTD & RVDM, but performances did not add up.
Netherlands’ World Cup In A Nutshell
Result
4th in Group A
Wins/Losses
0/3
Best Match
None
Highest Run Scorers
Max O’Dowd (123)
Highest Wicket Takers
Pieter Seelar, Fred Klaassen, Brandon Glover (2)
X Factors
Max O’Dowd continues his good form
Broken Dreams
The great Ryan Ten Doeschate retires without a proper sendoff (does not get selected for the last match)
What Does Netherlands Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
They just need to play more between World Cups. They have a South Africa tour coming up. Hopefully they can gain good experience and build confidence. Will need to qualify again however.
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