RYAN VREDE rates the Proteas in their group victory over the West Indies, which featured another excellent contribution from Aiden Markram.

Temba Bavuma (3)
Gifted a beautiful batting wicket against a limp attack, Bavuma had the opportunity to arrest his poor form. Instead, he hit one straight to mid-on and set off for a run. This after missing a straight delivery in the opening match. To say the skipper is under pressure is an understatement.

Reeza Hendricks (7)
Got 39 at a strike rate of 130.00, after being told he’d be playing an hour before the start. Will hold the position unless Quinton de Kock has a change of heart on the kneeling issue.

Aiden Markram (9)
In the buildup to the World Cup, I wrote that Markram would be the Proteas’ most important batsman. This is proving to be so, and his authoritative innings on Tuesday reaffirmed this. He dominates attacks in a way few Proteas batters can and is able to construct an innings with maturity and composure under pressure. Long may his form continue. Really good with the ball, too, which amplifies his threat.

Rassie van der Dussen (8)
His consistency is a foundational element of the Proteas’ challenge. His partnership with Markram won the match, his strike rotation and ability to hit to unconventional areas of the ground key features. He and Markram have emerged as the most valuable wickets for the opposition.

David Miller (did not bat) 

Heinrich Klaasen (did not bat)  

Dwaine Pretorius (6)
Markram bowling three overs at the top of the innings meant there were only two left for Pretorius at the death. He picked up three wickets in that period, including those of Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard.

Kagiso Rabada (6)
He looks to be building to his best form, bowling quickly and skilfully. This skill was evidenced by a brilliant leg-cutter to get rid of Lendl Simmons at the top of the innings. An economy rate of 6.75 on a good batting deck is an excellent return.

Keshav Maharaj (6)
Such an integral and important part of the bowling equation. He has the ability to strike and choke in equal measure. His dismissal of Evin Lewis was massive for the Proteas. The opener was flying and could have driven the Windies to a score in excess of 180 had Maharaj not halted his march.

Anrich Nortje (8)
South Africa’s player of the tournament so far. His ridiculous economy rate of 3.50 through his four overs compensated for Tabraiz Shamsi’s off day and built pressure that his bowling partners were able to exploit.

Tabriaz Shamsi (3)
Really poor day with the ball, conceding 37 runs in three overs. It is a rarity for the world’s leading T20I bowler to take that type of tap and he has earned our faith.

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