Over a full XI of SA players not playing for the Proteas at T20 World Cup
There are 29 South Africa-affiliated players competing at the T20 World Cup, including standout performers like Shadley van Schalkwyk’s for the USA and Jon-Jon Smuts for Italy, highlighting their diverse representation across nations such as Italy, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and the USA. Seen here: Netherlands allrounder Roelof van der Merwe in action. Picture: R.SATISH BABU / AFP
Image: R.SATISH BABU / AFP
While every country at the T20 World Cup is permitted just 15 players, it’s interesting to note that there are actually 29 stars that have some form of allegiance to South Africa.
There are 14 players from seven different nations which feature SA-born players.
In fact, one of them has already made headlines in one of the feature games of the World Cup so far in India and Sri Lanka.
Minnows USA had India on the ropes in the early stages of their clash over the weekend, and that was due in no small part to Cape Town-born Shadley van Schalkwyk.
Van Schalkwyk’s Remarkable Bowling Performance and Cricket Journey
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.
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.
Jon-Jon Smuts and Other SA-Born Players Representing Italy, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, and USA
Another seasoned campaigner in South Africa, Jon-Jon Smuts, now plays for Italy. The Grahamstown-born Smuts led SA to the final of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2007/2008. Smuts has played four T20Is for Italy after playing his last international for South Africa back in 2021.
Unsurprisingly, neighbours Namibia have three SA-born players, Jan Frylinck, Ruben Trumpelmann and Willem Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands also have three SA-born players in their squad. They are Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, and Kyle Klein.
One of the top players in T20 cricket, Devon Conway, represents New Zealand along with another Saffa in his side - Glenn Phillips.
Finally, the USA don’t just have Van Schalkwyk hailing from the Rainbow Nation but also count Welkom’s Andries Gous as their own.
SA players at T20 World Cup not representing the Proteas:
Italy: JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen
Ireland: Curtis Campher
Scotland: Bradley Wheal
Namibia: Jan Frylinck, Ruben Trumpelmann, Willem Myburgh
Netherlands: Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, Kyle Klein
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips
USA: Andries Gous, Shadley van Schalkwyk