The Proteas’ Ryan Rickelton hits six during the second T20 International against the West Indies. The Proteas’ Ryan Rickelton hits six during the second T20 International against the West Indies. Picture: Randy Brooks / AFP
The final T20 International against the West Indies gives the Proteas’ fringe players another opportunity to put in a notable performance with the coaching staff already having one eye on the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
The Proteas have wilted in the first two matches of the series, losing the first match by seven wickets with 13 balls left, while they went down by 30 runs in the second encounter in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Proteas had a chance to win both matches, but terrible little spells in those matches saw them lose their way. Batting collapses have been the biggest problem, with the top-order all at sea in the first match before the middle and lower order failed to get the team over the line in the second match.
The bowling has been pretty erratic too, with discipline letting the team down at crucial stages of both matches.
While the team lacks a bit of experience, especially in the bowling department, the old heads also haven’t come to the party with big contributions. So, we can’t just blame experience for this series defeat.
Match Day | SAvWI
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 27, 2024
The 3rd and final T20i is here.🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦
The Proteas will look to finish their tour on a high note in Tarouba as they aim for victory! ⚡️🏏
⏰When: 21:00
📺Where: SuperSport, channel 212#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt#SAvWI pic.twitter.com/1k7zzYX2WC
Top orders batters Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen haven’t had the greatest of series, with only Tristan Stubbs managing to score a half-century thus far.
With one more game to go, a player such as opener Ryan Rickelton, who had a top season in the SA20 League earlier this year, needs to show that they can one day take over from the likes of Quinton de Kock at the top of the order. Big hitter Donovan Ferreira must also produce at this level, as David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen won’t be around forever.
Both players have the natural ability, but need to make that step up. The game time will certainly help, but they need to use these opportunities to show the selectors they can operate at this level.
In the bowling department, teenager Kwena Maphaka has showed some fight with his undoubted ability, which will please coach Rob Walter. He took 1/25 in the first match off 3.5 overs went for just 7.25 an over in his second match.
Maphaka did really well compared to the other bowlers, who came in for some tap during both matches.
The other player who has impressed is all-rounder Patrick Kruger, who scored a quick-fire 44 in the first match, before contributing two wickets in the second match.
However, on Tuesday night, everyone has another chance to put up their hands in the third T20I (9pm SA time).
@JohnGoliath82