SA vs ENG: Top performers from the T20I series
The three-match T20I series in England’s ongoing tour of South Africa ended on Tuesday (December 1). The visitors have not only amassed a clean sweep but have also extended their undefeated run in T20I series to eight.
England’s love affair with South Africa has grown to such an extent that four of their six highest victorious chases have come against the Proteas including three in 2020. It’s been that kind of a setback for South Africa where Captain Morgan’s men have buried them into a deep rut before their next encounter in ODIs. Thankfully, there have been some individual flashes of brilliance across sides. So here are our top 5 performers from the T20I series.
5. Jonny Bairstow – 89 runs in 2 inns; SR – 161.82
Jonny Bairstow along with KL Rahul form a rare breed of batsmen who can pretty much bat at any given position across formats in international cricket. His feisty knock of 86* from 48 deliveries in the first game was an astonishing affair. Not only did he steady England’s ship by stitching a partnership with Ben Stokes but also added the finishing touches to the run chase. His runs at no.4 and finishing ability are a bonus especially considering if Buttler has to open the innings.
4. Faf du Plessis – 121 runs in 3 inns; SR – 137.50
Faf du Plessis, who often played the role of steadying CSK’s ship in IPL 2020, continued to provide similar assistance to South Africa. The veteran scored two fifties in the series including his mammoth 127-run partnership with Rassie van der Dussen which gave South Africa a tangible chance of avoiding a clean sweep. However, it looks like South Africa are yet to fix his batting position as the senior member had to bat at no.4 in the last two games.
3. George Linde – 41 runs in 2 innings; SR – 157.69; Wkts – 2; Eco – 6.08
George Linde’s name might surprise many but he has come out as the biggest positive for the hosts in this series. Being an all-rounder, his bowling troubled the likes of Jason Roy at the top. Overall in his 12 overs of bowling, Linde only conceded runs at an economy of 6, especially in the third game where almost every bowler across sides was hammered. His short cameos with the bat at the back end evidently speaks about him as an entire package.
2. Rassie van der Dussen – 136 runs in 3 matches; SR – 152.81
Rassie van der Dussen’s arrival in the South African national team has perhaps been the only silver lining for South African cricket in the last two years. His record in T20Is is growing at an impeccable pace as he is averaging close to 40 now. Van der Dussen was South Africa’s leading run-scorer aggregating 136 runs with his blade. His crucial 74* off 32 balls in the third game speaks volumes about why his batting demands a different set of admiration.
1. Dawid Malan – 173 runs in 3 matches; SR- 161.68
Dawid Malan, the no.1 ranked T20I batsman has been the biggest difference between the two sides. Twice by batting at no.3, he has helped England win back-to-back run chases. Both of those match-winning knocks are a completely different set of propositions. Once in the second T20I, Malan had to anchor the chase and the other one turned out to be a cruel assault where Buttler eventually played the second fiddler. His 167-run partnership with Buttler has now become the highest second-wicket stand in T20Is. Overall, Malan smashed 173 runs which also earned him the Player of the Series award.
