Standard Bank Pro20 Fixtures

Catch of the Pro20 by Reeza Hendricks

The Standard Bank Pro20 game between the Cape Cobras and Eagles last Wednesday evening produced the catch of the series. Reeza Hendricks took this amazing catch to dismiss Andrew Puttick.

The Eagles went on to win the game by 8 wickets, thanks to an unbeaten 85 runs from their captain Morne van Wyk.

This video was sent in by: @Boundary_Rider via Twitter

ICC rankings update

The recent Test series played in India has resulted in some movement in the ICC player rankings.

Hashim Amla’s recent success has seen him gain eight places in the latest rankings, and is now in second position, not far behind India’s Virender Sehwag.

In the bowler’s standings, Dale Steyn remains in the number 1 position, with his bowling partner coming in at number 10.

Top 10 Test batsmen:

1. Virender Sehwag (IND) 863
2. Hashim Amla (RSA) 842
3. Mahela Jayawardena (SRI) 836
4. Kumar Sangakkara (SRI) 835
5. Gautam Gambhir (IND) 824
T6. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) 805
T6. Michael Clarke (AUS) 805
8. Jacques Kallis (RSA) 790
9. Graeme Smith (RSA) 786
10. Ricky Ponting (AUS) 783

Top 10 Test bowlers:

1. Dale Steyn (RSA) 867
2. Mitchell Johnson (AUS) 780
3. Mohammad Asif (PAK) 757
4. M Muralidaran (SRI) 752
5. Graeme Swann (ENG) 732
6. Zaheer Khan (IND) 729
7. Harbhajan Singh (IND) 712
8. Stuart Broad (ENG) 673
9. Stuart Clark (AUS) 668
10. Morne Morkel (RSA) 660

Hashim Amla, the greatest batsman that South Africa has produced

It’s a bold statement and one not made lightly. I’m of the opinion that Hashim Amla will become the highest scoring Test batsman that South Africa has ever produced.

My opinion is not based merely on the recent batting lessons that he gave India, but on his past performances and how he plays his cricket. Amla is the most patient batsman that I have ever seen play, except Jack Russell in that Wanderers Test. Amla plays with total control, self-discipline and with powers of concentration that is unrivalled.

When Amla get’s in, he converts

AB de Villiers has long been touted as the next great batsman, but AB’s inability to convert half-centuries into centuries is becoming a problem for him. de Villiers has no patients at all, he plays at just about everything and it’s starting to tell on his performance. de Villiers has scored 21 half-centuries, and has only 9 centuries – Amla has 16 half-centuries and 10 centuries.

Current the only South African player in Amla’s class is Jacques Kallis, Kallis has done magnificently well for South Africa, and holds the record for most runs scored by a South African in Test cricket. Kallis is eight years Amla’s senior, Amla is 7 000 odd runs behind Kallis, then consider that Amla has scored 948 runs in the last 12 months – Amla will surpass that record.

Recent Test series performances:

• Australia (Away): 6 innings, 259 runs at an average of 51.8
• Australia (Home): 5 innings, 147 runs at an average of 29.4
• England (Home): 7 innings, 311 runs at an average of 44.4
• India (Away): 3 innings, 490 runs at an average of 490.0

Career highlights:

• Highest score 253* against India.
• Test century at Lords, 2008 114*
• 16 half centuries
• 10 centuries

Hashim Amla’s cricketing achievements are complemented by the way the man lives his life. He’s a religious man who doesn’t drink, carries himself with pride and has respect for his fellow team mates and opposition alike. Have you ever seen Amla swing his bat in anger after getting out? Or shake his head at a poor decision?

Hashim Amla is more than a great batsman, he’s a true gentleman of the game and role model to the South African youth.

Standard Bank Pro20 log

2010 Standard Bank Pro20 Log was last updated:22th February 2010