Proteas ratings: Unbeaten run ends in semis heartbreak

FOLLOWING South Africa's semifinal exit in Kolkata at the hands of the Black Caps on Wednesday, Ongama Gewabe rates the Proteas players’ performances in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India.

- ONGAMA GEWABE

A DESPONDENT Proteas captain Aiden Markram

(AFP)

8 - Aiden Markram R-286, HS-86 not out, SR-165.31

Markram finished the competition as South Africa's top run-scorer, a fitting effort for the leader of the team. On the field, the skipper made some sound calls, rotating his bowlers well and making well thought out field placements.

6 - Quinton de Kock R-181, HS-59, SR-135.07

Going into the tournament, De Kock was by far South Africa’s most inform batter, having had an excellent SA20 earlier this year. In the World Cup, the batter did not set the world alight, at least not as much as many had anticipated that he would.

However, the experienced batter, alongside Markram, had a number of solid partnerships at the top of the order. De Kock would most likely be the first person to critique himself and say he did not live up to his own standards in India.

7 - Ryan Rickelton R-228, HS-61, SR-170.14

If one would have asked Rickelton if he would take 228 runs at a strike rate of 170 before the tournament, he probably would have. After all, the 29-year-old was not even in the original squad and also was batting out of position.

Semifinal aside, Rickelton was South Africa's second-best batter after Markram and his numbers also show for it. Based on his ability to adapt in a new position and maintaining a high tempo throughout his innings, Rickelton had a really decent tournament.

6 - Dewald Brevis R-207, HS-45, SR-146.80