The Proteas have produced some of the best opening batsmen in the world over the past 30 years across different formats.
In modern cricket, an opening batsman is expected to be aggressive, with a strike rate of over 100 to be considered effective. An opener with a strike rate of 140 and an average of 35 or 40 in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is regarded as exceptional, especially compared to one with an average of 45 and a strike rate under 100.
While runs are crucial for any batter, an opener’s primary responsibility is to provide a solid start for the team, allowing the middle order to bat without pressure. gibbs
Over the past three decades, the Proteas have showcased outstanding openers. Some were big hitters, while others built innings and accumulated significant scores. Players like Temba Bavuma and Boeta Dippenaar have averaged over 40 in ODIs, but they are not necessarily considered big hitters or great opening batsmen. Their ODI careers have perhaps been underrated due to their lower strike rates.
Here are some of the top openers for the Proteas in ODIs:
Quinton de Kock
If the 32-year-old wicketkeeper had not retired from international cricket, he would likely be closing in on 10,000 ODI runs by now. De Kock is an explosive opener who often dismantled any bowling attack to help South Africa gain a commanding position.
Whether chasing a target or batting first, the Johannesburg-born cricketer was unstoppable when in form.
Herschelle Gibbs
Many fans remember Gibbs for being the first player to hit six sixes in an over in 2007. As an opener, this talented batsman scored over 20 centuries during his 15-year international career. His remarkable 175 against Australia remains one of the most memorable innings by a South African batsman in ODI history.
Gary Kirsten
Although not the flashiest of batsmen, Kirsten is regarded as one of the finest openers in world cricket, having played almost 300 international matches in this role. His 188 against the United Arab Emirates is still the highest score for a South African batsman in ODI cricket.
Hashim Amla
The ‘Mighty Hash’ formed a formidable opening partnership with Quinton de Kock from 2013 to 2019, contributing significantly to the Proteas’ success. In that period, Amla scored 27 centuries and maintained an average of 49. He is undoubtedly one of the most underrated openers the Proteas have had.
Graeme Smith
Smith was an exceptional captain for South Africa across all formats; however, his ODI career was not as impressive as his Test career. In nearly 200 ODIs, the former skipper crossed double figures only 10 times. While his strike rate and average of 38 did not capture the spotlight, he still remains one of the best openers the Proteas have produced.
Who is your favourite SA opener?
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