Abdul Razzaq 109 not out off 72 v South Africa in Abu Dhabi 2010

Score on arrival: 136 for 5, chasing 287

Final score: 289 for 9, won by 1 wicket with 1 ball to spare

Abdul Razzaq smashed ten sixes, Pakistan razed 150 off the last 20 overs to come back from the dead, numbers which look normal in 2018, but were truly remarkable for the time.

Razzaq arrived in a position below the rest on this list, at the fall of the seventh wicket, and hit six sixes in the last four overs, all while batting with Wahab Riaz and Saeed Ajmal, Pakistan's numbers 10 and 11

For perspective, Pakistan's last four batsmen were dismissed for single figures, while Razzaq did his thing at the other end.

Dale Steyn can come back and take the Indian line up apart

There are few players in today’s game who can be mentioned in the same sentence as Glenn McGrath, Curtley Ambrose or Waqar Younis.One of them however, is Dale Steyn.
With a surreal average of 22 after 85 test matches, 26 five wicket hauls and 9 Man of the Match awards, Dale Steyn will go down as a legend of the game. AB De Villiers is one of the most talented and innovative Test batsmen and averages more than 50 after over 100 test matches.

Vernon Philander provides South Africa with versatility and balance

In regard to the South African bowling unit, Rabada is the leader. However, the versatility and experience Philander offers creates the balance which could
put South Africa ahead in this series. Aside from his bowling, Philander has also made himself into a steady all-rounder currently ranked number 5 in the ICC player rankings.

Aiden Markram will be crucial opening the batting for South Africa

Whilst the headlines and tabloids will undoubtedly feature the likes of Amla, du Plessis and the return of AB de Villiers, the contributions of the opening pair of Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram as well as de Kock may well swing this series South Africa’s way.

Elgar had a career year in 2017, averaging 53.71 in comparison to 2016 where he averaged 31, while inexperienced Markram is an incredible talent and could provide South Africa with the unknown X factor.

Kagiso Rabada will need to take charge of the Proteas' bowling attack

In the 2015 tour of India Rabada was relatively new to Test cricket and did not have a memorable test series.However, with 57 wickets at an average of 20.28 in 2017, Rabada has clearly emerged as one of the best test bowlers since then. His accomplishments in 2017 have him currently ranked no. 2 in the ICC player rankings.

On quick seamer-friendly South Africa pitches, Rabada needs to not only continue his excellent form but also lead the strong South African bowling unit. With Rabada’s sheer pace and attacking style of bowling he is a key factor for South Africa if they are to beat India.

Happy Birthday South Africa Mark Boucher

Full name: Mark Verdon Boucher

Born December 3, 1976, East London, Cape Province

Current age: 39 years 365 days

Major teams: South Africa, Africa XI, Border, Cape Cobras, ICC World XI, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Warriors

Playing role: Wicketkeeper batsman

Batting style: Right-hand bat

Bowling style: Right-arm medium

Fielding position: Wicketkeeper

Career statistics:

ICC Test debut: Pakistan vs South Africa at Sheikhupura, Oct 17-21, 1997

Last ICC Test: New Zealand vs South Africa at Wellington, Mar 23-27, 2012

ICC ODI debut: New Zealand vs South Africa at Perth, Jan 16, 1998

Last ICC ODI: South Africa vs Australia at Durban, Oct 28, 2011

ICC T20I debut: South Africa vs New Zealand at Johannesburg, Oct 21, 2005

Last ICC T20I: Pakistan vs South Africa at Gros Islet, May 10, 2010

First-class debut: 1995/96

Last First-class: New Zealand vs South Africa at Wellington, Mar 23-27, 2012

List A debut: 1995/96

Last List A: Cape Cobras vs Warriors at Cape Town, Dec 9, 2011

Twenty20 debut: Eastern Cape vs Western Province Boland at Port Elizabeth, Apr 13, 2004 

Last Twenty20: Cape Cobras vs Dolphins at Paarl, Feb 26, 2012

NOTES:

South Africa Player of the Year 1998

South Africa Player of the Year 2000

South Africa Player of the Year 2006

Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2009

Hashim Amla sets up South Africa consolation victory

 

ICC World Twenty20 2016

32nd Match, Group 1,  South Africa Vs Sri Lanka

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, 28th March 2016

Toss - South Africa won the toss decided to bat first

Umpires: S Ravi, Rod Tucker
Third Umpire: Paul Reiffel
Match Referee: Jeff Crowe

South Africa Playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (c), AB de Villiers, David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, David Wiese, Dale Steyn, Kyle Abbott, Aaron Phangiso, Imran Tahir

Sri Lanka Playing XI: Dinesh Chandimal (c & wk), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Milinda Siriwardana, Lahiru Thirimanne, Chamara Kapugedera, Thisara Perera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Rangana Herath, Jeffrey Vandersay, Suranga Lakmal

Match Summary

Sri Lanka 1st Innings 120 all out in 20 overs

Tilakratne Dilshan 36 

Dinesh Chandimal 21

Dasun Shanaka 20*

Kyle Abbott 14/2

Farhaan Behardien 15/2

Aaron Phangiso 26/2

Imran Tahir 18/1

South Africa 2nd Innings 122 for 2 in 17.4 overs

Hashim Amla 56*

Faf du Plessis 31

AB de Villiers 20*

Suranga Lakmal 28/1

South Africa won by 8 wickets

Man of the Match - Aaron Phangiso

West Indies secure their semi final spot after 3 wickets win over South Africa

 

ICC World Twenty20 2016

27th Match, South Africa Vs West Indies

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, 25th March 2016

Toss - West Indies won toss decided to field first

 Umpires: Ian Gould, Richard Kettleborough
Third Umpire: Bruce Oxenford
Match Referee: Chris Broad

South Africa Playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (c), AB de Villiers, David Miller, Rilee Rossouw, David Wiese, Chris Morris, Aaron Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir

West Indies Playing XI: Johnson Charles, Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, Andre Fletcher, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy (c), Carlos Brathwaite, Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn

Match Summary

South Africa 1st Innings 122 for 8 in 20 overs

Quinton-de-Kock 47

David Wiese 28

Chris Morris 16*

AB de Villiers 10

Chris Gayle 17/2

Dwayne Bravo 20/2

Andre Russell 28/2

West Indies 2nd Innings 123 for 7 in 19.4 overs

Marlon Samuels 43

Johnson Charles 32

Andre Fletcher 11

Carlos Brathwaite 10*

Imran Tahir 13/2

David Wiese 19/1

Aaron Phangiso 19/1

West Indies won by 3 wickets

Player of the Match - Marlon Samuels

South Africa Team World T20 Qualification scenarios

 

 GROUP 1

South Africa (Points 2; NRR +0.816)

Despite the pounding from England in their opening match, South Africa still sit pretty on the points table. They have West Indies and Sri Lanka lined up and will have a very close watch on other matches of the group for further progression.

Matches left:

vs West Indies, Nagpur, 25 Mar 2016

vs Sri Lanka, Delhi, 28 Mar 2016

Qualification scenarios:

- If they win both their matches, their only possibility of getting knocked out is a three-way tie between themselves, West Indies and England and falling behind in net run rate.

- If they beat West Indies and lose to Sri Lanka, they get knocked out if Sri Lanka loses to England and Afghanistan to West Indies and England.

- If they lose to West Indies and prevail over Sri Lanka, they will get eliminated if England win their matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

- If they lose both matches, they will be eliminated.

De Villiers, Morris sets up needed win for South Africa

 

ICC World Twetny20 2016

20th Match,Group 2, South Africa Vs Afghanistan 

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 20th March 2016

Toss - South Africa won the toss chose to bat first

Umpires: Chris Gaffaney, Paul Reiffel
Third Umpire: S Ravi
Match Referee: David Boon

South Africa Playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (c), AB de Villiers, Jean-Paul Duminy, David Miller, David Wiese, Chris Morris, Kyle Abbott, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir

Afghanistan Playing XI: Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Asghar Stanikzai (c), Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shenwari, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran

Match Summary

South Africa 1st Innings 209 for 5 in 20 overs

AB de Villiers 64

Quinton de Kock 45

Faf du Plessis 41

JP Duminy 29

David Miller 19

Amir Hamza 25/1

Shapoor Zadran 28/1

Afghanistan 2nd Innings 172 for 10 in 20 overs

Mohammad Shahzad 44

Gulbadin Naib 26

Samiullah Shenwari 25

Noor Ali Zadran 25

Chris Morris 27/4

Imran Tahir 24/2

Kyle Abott 36/2

Kagiso Rabada 37/2

South Africa won by 37 runs

Man of the Match - Chris Morris 

Joe Root starred England finished Highest run chase in World T20 History

 

ICC World Twenty20 2016

18th Match, Group 1, England Vs South Africa

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 18th March 2016

Toss - England won the toss elected to field first

 Umpires: S Ravi, Paul Reiffel
Third Umpire: Rod Tucker
Match Referee: David Boon

England Playing XI: Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, David Willey, Reece Topley

South Africa Playing XI: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis (c), AB de Villiers, Jean-Paul Duminy, David Miller, Chris Morris, Kyle Abbott, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir

Match Summary

South Africa 1st Innings 229 for 4 in 20 overs

Hashim Amla 58

JP Duminy 54*

Quinton de Kock 52

David Miller 28*

Moeen Ali 34/2

Adil Rashid 35/1

England 2nd Innings 230 for 8 in 19.4 overs

Joe Root 83

Jason Roy 43

Jos Butler 21

Alex Hales 17

Ben Stokes 15

Moeen Ali 8*

Kyle Abbott 41/3

Kagiso Rabada 50/2

Imran Tahir 28/1

England won by 2 wickets

Man of the Match - Joe Root

Journey of South Africa Team in ICC World Twenty20

 

 2007: Group stage 2009: Semi-final (lost to Pakistan by seven runs)
2010: Group stage
2012: Group stage
2014: Semi-final (lost to India by six wickets)

Highest-ever run-scorer: JP Duminy, 1551 runs @ 37.28, SR: 122.31, HS: 96 Not out

Highest-ever wicket-taker: Dale Steyn, 55 wickets @ 15.98, Econ: 6.45, BB: 4-9

Best-ever XI: Herschelle Gibbs, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Albie Morkel, Johan Botha, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir, David Miller (12th man).

2016 WT20 Squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Chris Morris, Aaron Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, David Wiese.

Best XI: Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (c), JP Duminy, David Miller, David Wiese, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir.

Grant Elliott knock leads New Zealand entered into World Cup Final for first time

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

1st Semi Final, New Zealand Vs South Africa

Eden Park, Auckland, 24th March 2015

Toss - South Africa, decided to bat first

Match Officials

Umpires - I Gould, R Tucker

TV Umpire - N Llong

Match Referee - D Boon

Scorecard

South Africa Innings - 281/5 (43 overs)

Batting		R	B	4s	6s	SR
Hashim Amla	b T Boult	10	14	2	0	71.4
Quinton de Kock (wk)	c Southee b T Boult	14	17	2	0	82.4
Faf du Plessis	c Ronchi b CJ Anderson	82	107	7	1	76.6
Rilee Rossouw	c M Guptill b CJ Anderson	39	53	2	1	73.6
AB de Villiers (c)	not out	65	45	8	1	144.4
David Miller	c Ronchi b CJ Anderson	49	18	6	3	272.2
Jean-Paul Duminy	not out	8	4	1	0	200.0
Extras		14	(b - 1 w - 13, nb - 0, lb - 0)
Total		281	(43 Overs, 5 Wickets)

Bowler	O	M	R	W	ER
Tim Southee	9	1	55	0	6.1
Trent Boult	9	0	53	2	5.9
Matt Henry	8	2	40	0	5.0
Daniel Vettori	9	0	46	0	5.1
Kane Williamson	1	0	5	0	5.0
Grant Elliott	1	0	9	0	9.0
Corey Anderson	6	0	72	3	12.0

New Zealand Innings - 299/6 (42.5 overs)

Batting		R	B	4s	6s	SR
Martin Guptill	run out (Amla/de Kock)	34	38	3	1	89.5
Brendon McCullum (c)	c Steyn b M Morkel	59	26	8	4	226.9
Kane Williamson	b M Morkel	6	11	1	0	54.5
Ross Taylor	c de Kock b Duminy	30	39	4	0	76.9
Grant Elliott	not out	84	73	7	3	115.1
Corey Anderson	c du Plessis b M Morkel	58	57	6	2	101.8
Luke Ronchi (wk)	c R Rossouw b Steyn	8	7	1	0	114.3
Daniel Vettori	not out	7	6	1	0	116.7
Extras		13	(b - 6 w - 5, nb - 0, lb - 2)
Total		299	(42.5 Overs, 6 Wickets)

Bowler	O	M	R	W	ER
Dale Steyn	8.5	0	76	1	8.6
Vernon Philander	8	0	52	0	6.5
Morne Morkel	9	0	59	3	6.6
Imran Tahir	9	1	40	0	4.4
Jean-Paul Duminy	5	0	43	1	8.6
AB de Villiers	3	0	21	0	7.0

New Zealand won by 4 wickets with 1 ball left

Man of the Match - Grant Elliott

South Africa end Knock out Jinx after nine wickets win over Sri Lanka

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

1st Quarter Final, South Africa Vs Sri Lanka

Sydney Cricket Ground, 18th March 2015

Toss - Sri Lanka, Decided to bat first

Match Officials

Umpires - N Llong, R Tucker

TV Umpire - R Kettleborough

Referee - D Boon

Scorecard:

Sri Lanka Innings - 133

Batting		R	B	4s	6s	SR
Kushal Janith Perera	c de Kock b Kyle Abbott	3	10	0	0	30.0
Tillakaratne Dilshan	c du Plessis b Steyn	0	7	0	0	0.0
Kumar Sangakkara	c D Miller b M Morkel	45	96	3	0	46.9
Lahiru Thirimanne	c & b Tahir	41	48	5	0	85.4
Mahela Jayawardene	c du Plessis b Tahir	4	16	0	0	25.0
Angelo Mathews	c du Plessis b Duminy	19	32	1	0	59.4
Thisara Perera	c R Rossouw b Tahir	0	3	0	0	0.0
Nuwan Kulasekara	c de Kock b Duminy	1	2	0	0	50.0
T Kaushal	lbw b Duminy	0	1	0	0	0.0
Dushmantha Chameera	not out	2	5	0	0	40.0
Lasith Malinga	c D Miller b Tahir	3	6	0	0	50.0
Extras		15	(b - 4 w - 7, nb - 2, lb - 2)
Total		133	(37.2 Overs, 10 Wickets)

Bowler	O	M	R	W	ER
Dale Steyn	7	2	18	1	2.6
Kyle Abbott	6	1	27	1	4.5
Morne Morkel	7	1	27	1	3.9
Jean-Paul Duminy	9	1	29	3	3.2
Imran Tahir	8.2	0	26	4	3.1

South Africa Innings - 134/1 (18 overs)

Batting	Out Desc	R	B	4s	6s	SR
Hashim Amla	c N Kulasekara b Malinga	16	23	1	0	69.6
Quinton de Kock (wk)	not out	78	57	12	0	136.8
Faf du Plessis	not out	21	31	0	0	67.7
Extras		19	(b - 0 w - 12, nb - 3, lb - 4)
Total		134	(18 Overs, 1 Wickets)

Bowler	O	M	R	ER
Lasith Malinga	6	0	43	7.2
Tillakaratne Dilshan	2	0	10	5.0
Nuwan Kulasekara	1	0	13	13.0
T Kaushal	6	0	25	4.2
Dushmantha Chameera	2	0	29	14.5
Thisara Perera	1	0	10	10.0

South Africa won by 9 wickets with 192 balls left

Man of the Match - Imran Tahir