Top 5 outstanding individual performances from the SA vs ENG T20I series

After 3 intriguing T20Is with countless numbers of twists and turns, the SA vs ENG T20I series has concluded in a comprehensive 3-0 drubbing in visitors’ favour. This score line reflects on just how extraordinarily consistent England are as a side and the immeasurable depth they are blessed with. They are undoubtedly one of the favourites for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India.

South Africa, however, just could not compete with such a well-oiled engine. Matters were made worse when it was evident that their playing XI had a plethora of concerning flaws. These imperfections must be solved swiftly if the Proteas want to stand a chance of assembling a decent side. However, despite the uncompetitive result of the series, there still exists some excellent individual performances that we can all cherish and savour.

5. George Linde’s immaculate debut

An international debut is a daunting, yet thrilling, occasion for any cricketer. To perform in a debut with excellence is a considerable feat and one that Linde achieved in the 1st T20I. The 28 year old’s maiden assignment for the Proteas was to bludgeon some valuable death overs runs.

Linde was only given 6 balls to make an influence on the game but despite the limited window of opportunity, he obliged with conviction. He delivered a subtle glimpse of his calibre with 2 impressive blows; he ended on 12, smacked with a strike-rate of 200. However, this seemingly inconspicuous performance was a sign of things to come.

Quinton de Kock entrusted the debutant’s left arm spin with the responsibility of delivering the 1st over. Linde, showing no signs of understandable nerves, bamboozled a flabbergasted Jason Roy with a ball that deviated a literal mile. It snared the edge of the opener’s bat and found its way into the hands of De Kock. England were 0-1 and Linde’s international bowling career was off to a scintillating start.

He proceeded to cast a stranglehold over Dawid Malan, the No.1 T20I batsman in the world, with some witty spin bowling. He too was dismissed in brief fashion. Finally, George Linde finished with some very tidy figures of 2-20 and showcased to the cricketing world what he is capable of.