South African Cricket – The Proteas are back in the game

IPL is going exceptionally well this year, amidst the COVID-19 crisis and the unavailability of some high-profile players. Judging the outcome of various matches up until now, certain players have stood out, and their performance graph is on the rise. Amongst all, South African cricketers such as AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, and Kagiso Rabada have shone throughout the tournament and are expected to perform well in the upcoming international matches as well. 

The South African cricket team holds many records in international cricket, up to date. Their ODI (One Day International) and test performances are applauded by many. Below are some facts to confirm the same:

• South Africa has won 385 ODI matches out of 625 conducted, with a win percentage of 63.92. Many countries have not exceeded this percentage, and the South African team remains amongst the top.
• Holding a place in an international record list is not an easy task. However, South Africa, as a cricket team, managed to accomplish this feat thrice. They have 3 wins with the most margins recorded, the runs being 272, 258, and 257.
• They also have the narrowest win margins record on their name. The South African team is the only team in the world who has won a match on the last ball of the game 7 times till now.
• "The most consecutive wins in international cricket" is a title held by Australia, but South Africa's no further from achieving it. They have 2 mentions of winning 12 consecutive matches in international cricket against tough teams.
• With the "thrice" parade in place, South Africa holds 3 different records of the highest inning total ever documented, with each score being well over 400.

South Africa's given the world some of the best batsmen, such as AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, and Graeme Smith. Their averages are way above 50 in both ODI's and test matches with the consistency being profound. The shots that they have mastered over the years are being picked up by youngsters in the game now. Leg-side hoicks and dilscoop shots are what made AB de Villiers famous as a world-class batsman.

Besides being an amazing batsman, AB de Villiers has been a renowned captain and even led the team to the semi-finals of the 2015 ICC world cup. South Africa has seen many notable captains and ABD, Faf du Plessis, and Graeme Smith are just some names that stand out.

In the ICC Champions trophy, South Africa has been a semi-finalist for 4 times, and the team continues to better itself. Though they haven't won a T20 world cup yet, South Africa has been designated as a potential winner with improving chances each forthcoming season.

Although the team doesn't have many glorious trophies adorning their cricket halls as of now, they continue to win hearts and games. Other teams have also recognized their positions as "chokers" and are often seen training harder before a game.

Moving on to the bowling side of the team, South Africa has produced bowlers who have displayed world-class techniques. Dale Steyn, a retired bowler, has taken over 400 test wickets in his glorious career and this has set a bar for many aspiring bowlers. Imran Tahir went on to take 7 wickets in 9 overs, giving merely 45 runs.

This one-day record has proved difficult to break, and the same can be said for a T20 match record. Tahir went on to take 5 wickets in 4 overs with an economy of 6.26. Faf du Plessis wasted no time as a captain to issue a statement praising the bowler – "We have a weapon in the spin department!" were his exact words. This speaks volumes about the team's training practices and the player's dedication towards the game.

Keeping aside the numbers, South African players are known to exhibit amazing sportsmanship, and they never fail to awe the crowd with their charming demeanour. South Africa, as a team, is loved by many, and no matter the result of the game, they continue to hustle and win hearts. Respecting the game to its fullest is what the boys excel at, and that's exactly what's helping them refine their game for the challenges that lie ahead.