What is the Proteas’ strongest XI? Khalid Mohidin rates their performances after their 3-0 series win against Bangladesh. 

QUINTON DE KOCK – 287 runs @ 143.50, HS: 168*, SR: 104.74
9/10
Near-perfect performance from the wicketkeeper-batsman, solid behind the stumps and dominant with the bat. His batting performance, particularly in the first ODI, was phenomenal. He led the batting lineup well with Hashim Amla and again with Temba Bavuma. I give him an extra point for his four dismissals behind the stumps, and being named Man of the Series.

HASHIM AMLA – 195 runs @ 195.00, HS: 110*, SR: 95.58
8/10
Possibly SA’s best batsman in the series, which is excellent news for the Proteas ahead of the India series. He extended his lead for the most ODI centuries for South Africa in the first ODI, and commanded the batting lineup in both ODIs that he played in. Rested for the final ODI, Amla could have outscored De Kock and De Villiers in the series, but it’s safe to say he’s back to his best, adding a calming effect to the top order.

TEMBA BAVUMA – 48 runs @ 48.00, HS: 48, SR: 102.12
6/10
Filling in for Amla at the top of the order is no easy task, but Bavuma looked composed in only his second ODI in the green and gold. He was unlucky to go out just two runs short of a 50, but he showed he has the aptitude to fill in as an opener. I still believe he will be more suited to the No 5 spot.

FAF DU PLESSIS – 91 runs @ 91.00, HS: 91 SR: 130
6/10
A difficult one to judge after not getting the chance to walk out to the middle in the first, and going for a duck in the second. An industrious 91 from 67 balls in the third ODI could have, should have been his ninth ton, but he retired hurt with a back spasm which has ruled him out of the T20 series.

AIDEN MARKRAM– 66 runs @ 66.00, HS: 66, SR: 110
8/10
Perfect debut? What a year it has been –  a 97 on Test debut and a 66 from 60 balls on his ODI debut. Although a specialised opener, Markram slotted in at No 4, and boy, did he look at home. His performance was balanced and he played a huge part in steadying the ship with a 151-run partnership after the Proteas lost their openers in quick succession. An extra point was certainly deserved for his 2-18 with ball, and he has definitely proven he has the talent to solidify a spot in the starting XI.

AB DE VILLIERS – 196 runs @ 98.00 HS: 176, SR: 164.70
7/10
Back to his best? Based purely on his performance in Paarl, maybe. But he never lived up to the expectations of the fans in the third ODI, going out on 20.

JP DUMINY – 30 runs @ 30.00, HS: 30, SR: 100
2/10
Dropped for the final ODI, 30 in his only chance to bat, Duminy still finds himself in a rut. With 179 ODIs to his name against a struggling Bangladesh side, as a coach you expect more from your No 5 batsman, especially when they come to the middle with no pressure on them.

DWAINE PRETORIUS – 4 wickets, @ 24.00, Econ: 4.80
6/10
Impressive performance from the all-rounder, although he never had a chance to bat. He took two scalps in both of his matches played. Solid return for the player who should make the No 7 role his own.

FARHAAN BEHARDIEN – 40 runs @ –, HS: 33*, SR: 121.21
5/10
Never really had the chance to fully let loose, but was only warranted a starting spot due to David Miller’s injury. We expect Miller to slot back into the No 6 role when he is fit.

ANDILE PHEHLUKWAYO – 5 runs @ 5.00, HS: 5, SR: 125.00, 5 wickets @ 22.60, BB: 4-40, Econ: 4.70
6/10
A solid bowling display by the all-rounder, but could have done better with the bat. He stepped up in the second ODI when Kagiso Rabada went wicketless.

WIAAN MULDER – 2 runs @ 2.00, HS: 2, SR: 50,00, 1 wicket @ 32.00, BB: 1-32, Econ: 4.00
4/10
Not the greatest of debuts for the 19-year-old, who would have been disappointed by his batting performance, especially after his form for the Lions. He did manage to bag a scalp on debut. Based on potential 10/10, but I’m sure he would agree that he should have performed better.

KAGISO RABADA – 5 wickets @ 23.20, BB: 4-43, Econ: 4.29
5/10
A performance lacking in bite from South Africa’s top dog. He impressed with a four-for in the first ODI, none in the second and one in the final. We all expected him to dominate this poor Bangladesh outfit, but it was not to be.

IMRAN TAHIR– 6 wickets @ 20.33 , BB: 3-50, Econ: 4.25
7/10
Was a little expensive, but still produced with the ball. An expected performance from the spinner.

DANE PATERSON– 4 wickets @ 45.00, BB: 3-44, Econ: 6.70
5/10
Brought in to solve the Proteas’ bowling woes, the Cobras speedster had a terrible first game. He conceded 67 runs without taking a wicket in the match at the Diamond Oval. He was lucky to get a wicket in the ODI in Paarl, which slightly covered up how expensive he was in that match too. He did, however, bowl well up front in the final ODI, as SA sealed their 3-0 series win.

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images