Shadley van Schalkwyk: The South African allrounder who nearly led USA to victory over India at T20 World Cup
South African-born allrounder Shadley van Schalkwyk nearly led the USA to a historic victory over India at the T20 World Cup with his impressive figures of 4/25, showcasing his journey from South Africa to becoming a key player for the USA cricket team. Picture: Punit PARANJPE / AFP
Image: Punit PARANJPE / AFP
Watching the USA dominate India at the T20 World Cup was an absolute joy for the neutral, which included many Proteas fans, and driving the shock performance was South African-born Shadley van Schalkwyk.
Van Schalkwyk claimed incredible figures of 4/25 to help reduce India to 77/6 in the 13th over.
However, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav helped India launch a phenomenal comeback with an unbeaten knock of 84 from 49 to rescue his side as they posted a decent total of 161/9. Ultimately, the USA fell 29 runs short in their chase.
At six down though, it looked as though one of the biggest upsets in world cricket was on the cards.
Van Schalkwyk’s Journey: From South Africa to USA Cricket Star
Van Schalkwyk, at 37, is no newcomer to the game and began his career with possible aspirations of becoming a Proteas star.
The allrounder began his professional journey with the Eagles and Free State after finishing his schooling at Wynberg Boys’ High School.
In February 2008, at the age of 20, he made his List A debut for Western Province. In long form cricket, Van Schalkwyk made his First Class debut for the Eagles against the Dolphins in November the same year.
He has since gone on to play 125 List A matches and 120 T20s, and finally made his international debut, after switching allegiances, for the USA in April 2024.
Since then, Van Schalkwyk has played 13 ODIs for the USA and 15 T20Is as he has become a key player for his adopted nation. And if it weren’t for the exploits of Yadav over the weekend, he may have been a major part of history.