Temba Bavuma's Failure Raises Questions- Report Card of South Africa for World Cup 2023
South Africa were eliminated from the semi-final of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)
After facing disappointment in the 2019 semis, the Proteas have had a pattern – reaching every other World Cup semi since 1992. This time in 2023, however, their dream of making it to the final once again remained just that – a dream. Australia's victory over South Africa in the semifinal showcased Australia's strength and determination to be the best globally. Despite the Proteas' efforts, their journey to the final remains elusive.
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Analysing South Africa Player's Rating in the World Cup
Top Order Players
Quinton de Kock - 8/10
Quinton's World Cup journey was a dream run, with a batting average of 59.4. He hit an impressive four centuries and smashed 21 sixes, earning a solid 8 out of 10 for his outstanding performance.
Temba Bavuma - 3/10
On the other hand, Temba struggled as an opener, with a disappointing batting average below 20. His highest score was only 35, resulting in a modest rating of 3 out of 10.
Rassie van der Dussen - 7/10
Rassie proved to be a standout performer, impressing in Indian conditions with a batting average of 49.7. He contributed significantly with two fifties and two centuries, earning a commendable 7 out of 10.
Middle Order Players
Aiden Markram - 7/10
Markram displayed consistency in the middle order with a batting average of 45.1, contributing three fifties and one hundred, earning a deserved 7 out of 10 for his well-rounded performance.
Heinrich Klaasen - 6/10
Klaasen, known for his explosive play in the death overs, maintained a batting average of 41 with one fifty and one hundred, earning a solid 6 out of 10.
David Miller - 6/10
Miller showcased his full experience, boasting a batting average of 44.5, one fifty, and one hundred, along with an impressive count of 20 sixes. His impactful contribution warrants a commendable 6 out of 10.
Marco Jansen - 7/10
Marco emerged as a quality all-rounder with a batting average of 31.4, one fifty, and notable bowling achievements – taking 17 wickets at a strike rate below 25. His dual role earns him a well-deserved 7 out of 10.
Bowlers
Kagiso Rabada - 5/10
Rabada fell slightly short of expectations, taking 13 wickets at a strike rate of 33.6 and bowling the second-most dots (270) for the South Africa side. Considering his experience, he receives a rating of 5 out of 10.
Lungi Ngidi - 5/10
Lungi had a below-average performance, claiming 10 wickets at a strike rate of 35.5 and conceding 14 sixes. His efforts result in a modest rating of 5 out of 10.
Gerald Coetzee - 8/10
Coetzee, on the other hand, stood out with an impressive performance, taking 20 wickets in 8 games at a bowl average and strike rate below 20. More than half of his wickets came from short-length deliveries, earning him a strong rating of 8 out of 10.
Keshav Maharaj - 7/10
Maharaj showcased a quality spin show, taking 15 wickets at an economy of 4.1. Notably, he bowled the most dots (321) for the South Africa side, highlighting his consistency and earning a commendable 7 out of 10.
Conclusion
The South African side should focus on refining key aspects. Strengthening the top-order batting, particularly addressing the disappointing figures from openers like Temba, is crucial for a more formidable start. The bowling unit, led by experienced players like Rabada and Lungi, needs to elevate its effectiveness, especially in minimizing sixes conceded.
Consistency in the middle order, as seen in players like Miller and Klaasen, needs to be sustained. By addressing these areas and building on the positive aspects, South Africa can aim for a more robust and competitive presence in the next World Cup.
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