Proteas Men’s player ratings after historic T20I series victory in New Zealand

Although both teams were resting a host of senior players, the series still delivered a rollercoaster of entertainment. 

Keshav Maharaj’s men delivered a historic 3-2 series victory - their first-ever bilateral T20I series win on Kiwi soil - capped off by a brilliant 33-run victory in the Christchurch decider.

Independent Media’s Zaahier Adams delivers his tour report card. 

The Standouts

Connor Esterhuizen: 8.5/10

The undeniable breakout star of the tour. When the pressure was at its highest, Esterhuizen kept his cool. He anchored the run-chase on debut in the first T20I at the Bay Oval with an undefeated 45 before striking a maiden T20I half-century in the fourth match in Wellington to keep the series alive. The Pretoria Capitals batter kept his best for last though with a sensational 75 off 33 balls (including six massive sixes). He averaged 50 for the series and has placed his name in the queue for selection in the future.

Gerald Coetzee: 8/10

Fast, fiery, and highly effective. The “Karate Kid” relished being the spearhead of this relatively inexperienced pace attack. He brought his trademark aggression and delivered high-quality spells in each of the three Proteas victories, which included 3/31 in Wellington to set up the series decider in Christchurch. His eight wickets saw him finish as the Proteas top wicket-taker in the series.

Keshav Maharaj (c): 8/10

The veteran spinner was tasked with captaining a very young side, and his tactical acumen shone through. Fiercely competitive, Maharaj dragged his youthful charges to the line to see how they would respond to the pressure. Equally, he never took his eyes off his primary responsibilities by still bowling the tough overs and managed to keep the Kiwis quiet during the middle overs with timely strikes. Picked up seven wickets in the series.

Ottniel Baartman: 8/10

“Mr Reliable”. Baartman was there whenever his captain Maharaj needed either a wicket or to stem the runs. He consistently hit the right lengths and showed why he is such a force in the Betway SA20. Was surprisingly left out of the Auckland encounter, but still finished with seven wickets in the series. 

The Supporting Cast

Prenelan Subrayen: 7.5/10

A late introduction to the series, Subrayen made an immediate impact on his T20I debut in Wellington. With the series in the line, Subrayen triggered a total Kiwi middle-order collapse with figures of 2/13 in three overs. The Proteas suddenly had greater balance to their attack with the three spinners in Subrayen, Maharaj and George Linde in the final two matches. Subrayen followed up his debut performance with an incredibly economical 0-22 in his four overs during the high-scoring decider. 

Rubin Hermann: 7/10

The elder of the Hermann brothers would have expected more himself on this tour, but the spicy pitch conditions did not always suit his ultra-aggressive style of batting. He finally worked out a gameplan in the final two matches when it was most needed, contributing an unbeaten 28 in Wellington and 39 in Christchurch, which allowed Esterhuizen the freedom to attack later in the innings. 

Dian Forrester: 6/10 

One of five debutants in the series, Forrester gave a good account on his first international tour. He would have liked to make more from the starts he got in each of his five innings, but his unbeaten 21 off just 13 balls in Christchurch as part of a game changing partnership of 61 off just 27 balls with Esterhuizen.

George Linde: 6/10

A middling tour of middle earth for the allrounder, who would have arrived in New Zealand with high hopes as one of only three T20 World Cup representatives. He did not move the needle further in pushing for a more regular place when the starters return, but he was economical with the ball and banged a few out of the ground in a losing cause in Hamilton.

Nqobani Mokoena 6/10

A spectacular T20I debut at the Bay Oval for the teenaged fast bowler with figures of 3/25 was not quite followed up as he went wicketless in the next two matches, and was subsequently left out for the final two matches as the Proteas opted for the extra spin option. 

But there was enough promise shown, especially as he is still only 19 years old, and is definitely one for the future. Showed he could also hit a long ball at Eden Park in Auckland with an undefeated 26 that included three sixes.

The Under-Performers

Wiaan Mulder: 5/10

The allrounder was a late replacement for the injured Jordan Hermann, and struggled to fit into his opener’s role. Was completely out of depth against the swinging and seaming ball with consecutive ducks in Auckland and Wellington. He eventually managed to squeeze out a 31 after being dropped earlier in Christchurch and then followed it up with a decent bowling contribution of 2/28.

Jason Smith: 4/10

After all the hype around his T20 World Cup selection, Smith didn't quite make the impact he would have hoped for. A poor series for the MI Cape Town batter and he may have used up his chance to push for a place in future squads. 

Tony de Zorzi: 3/10

The dreadlocked left-hander struggled upfront in the bowling friendly conditions and his T20 game still needs refining if he is to challenge the established top-order.

Lutho Sipamla: 3/10

Played just the one game. Conceded 26 in 2.2 overs at an economy of 11.14.