South African cricket is one of the unluckiest teams especially in the ICC tournaments. South Africa has never won a world ICC event which is one of the forgettable records to witness. Eventually, throughout the years South Africa has produced some tremendous players and might ensure a trophy in the future. Let us look at some of the South African players who have scored some massive centuries in these events.
1. Gary Kirsten
The former coach of the Indian Cricket team who led them to win the world cup also made some vital contributions to his own team as well. Kirsten holds the record for highest individual score for South Africa in the World Cup. He scored unbeaten 188 against UAE in 1996 world cup. He scored 13 boundaries and 4 sixes.
2. Andrew Hudson
Andrew Hudson is another example of a player who scores big hundreds. He has scored some massive hundreds in his career. One of them came in the 1996 World cup when he scored 161 runs in just 132 balls with 13 boundaries and 4 sixes against Netherlands. It is one of the quickest centuries in the World cup.
3. Herschelle Gibbs
One of the greatest opening batsmen South Africa has ever witnessed is Herschelle Gibbs. Gibbs also holds the record for most number of centuries for South Africa in ICC events. The most prominent one came in the 2003 World Cup against New Zealand. He scored 143 runs in 141 balls with 19 boundaries and 3 sixes.
4. Jacques Kallis
The most popular all rounder in South African cricket is Jacques Kallis. Kallis has contributed in both batting and bowling aspects. Kallis scored unbeaten 128 runs in just 109 balls against Netherlands in the 2007 World Cup.
5. AB De Villiers
AB de Villiers has to be one of the legendary cricketers in world cricket. His 360 degree cricket has impressed every cricket fan irrespective of which team they support. De Villiers has scored a few centuries in the World Cup. One of the popular ones was in the 2015 World Cup against the West Indies. He scored 162 runs in just 66 balls with the strike rate of 245. He scored 17 boundaries and 8 sixes.
6. Hashim Amla
The reliable and versatile player of South Africa has to be Hasim Amla. Amla played in both number 3 position and as an opener. He had a successful campaign in the 2011 World Cup. He scored 113 runs against Netherlands with 8 boundaries.
7. David Miller
Miller started as a finisher for South African cricket but eventually started to play a major role in anchoring the innings for the team. He was successful in various local T20 tournaments which eventually led to his success in international cricket. In the 2015 world cup against Zimbabwe he scored unbeaten 138 runs in just 92 balls with 7 boundaries and 9 sixes.
8. JP Duminy
JP Duminy has to be considered one of the underrated players for South African cricket. He was handy in picking wickets and also scored some vital runs for the team. In the 2015 world cup against Zimbabwe with David Miller he also scored unbeaten 115 runs in 100 balls.
9. Graeme Smith
Graeme Smith has to be one of the successful captains for South Africa. He led his team to number 1 in various formats. Even though he failed to score a century in the World Cup, he has a good record in the ICC Champions trophy. In 2009 against England South Africa captain Graeme Smith scored a fighting 141 runs facing 134 balls with 16 fours.
10. Faf Du Plessis
The former captain of South African cricket who tasted most success in international cricket is Faf du plesis. Du plesis was known for his ability to score big runs in vital games. In the recent 2019 world cup, he scored 100 runs in 94 balls against Australia which played a major role in winning the match for South Africa.
