The SA20 league is the T20 cricket league in South Africa, which had its inaugural season in the second week of 2023, starting from the 10th of January to the 12th of February. The league features six different teams, each representing a city, which includes top domestic South African talents along with international players. This league was important for Cricket South Africa (CSA) in terms of monetization as well as providing a platform to breed fresh talent for the national cricket scenario. A lot of great cricketing moments were witnessed in the very first season, which stamps its potential to grow as a significant cricketing league in the future. Glancing upon the great batting performances, we present to you the top ten run scorers in SA20.
1. Jos Buttler (Paarl Royals)
Jos Buttler was the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 391 runs in 11 innings with an average of 39.10, featuring an impressive strike rate of 132.54 (which included 5 half centuries). The royals’ opener set the tone of his team by scoring a half-century in the inaugural match. From being the top run scorer in IPL to then winning the T20 WC, he was in the form of a lifetime, which he successfully continued in SA20 and became the key player for the team in reaching the semi-finals.
2. Faf du Plessis (Joburg Super Kings)
With 369 runs in 10 innings, Faf du Plessis comes in the second spot. He scored a remarkable average of 41 and an explosive strike rate of 147.6 which included two 50s and one century. 113 runs in 54 balls were his best performance against Durban Super Giants. The 38-year-old skipper brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his team and has been instrumental in their success and reaching the semis.
3. Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
Next on the list, we have the SA20-winning captain Aiden Markram, who scored 366 runs in 12 innings. The skipper scored runs with an average of 33.27 along with a decent strike rate of 127.97. Aiden Markram also took 11 wickets. His outstanding batting performances included three 50s and a century in the semi-finals. Hence his exceptional batting combined with his bowling performance was the reason he has crowned the Player of the Tournament. Markram’s captaincy and the team’s resilience paved their path to glory.
4. Heinrich Klaasen (Durban Super Giants)
With 363 runs in 9 innings, Heinrich Klaasen takes the 4th spot on this list. The runs he scored came at an average of 60.5, which was one of the highest in the tournament. With a strike rate of 164.25, he was the most destructive batter from his team. Despite not making it to the playoffs Kaalsen’s approach toward the game was highly rated by the experts.
5. Quinton de Kock (Durban Super Giants)
Quinton de Kock scored 271 runs in 9 innings with a decent strike rate of 151.4. He also averaged 30.11 and scored three fifties. The Durban skipper was consistent throughout the tournament, scoring crucial runs when the team needed them. QDK's power-hitting ability was a great asset, providing the team with a much-needed explosive start in the powerplay
6. Will Jacks (Pretoria Capitals)
Despite being ranked 6th on the list, Will Jacks was arguably the best batter in the league's first phase. The English cricketer scored runs at an explosive strike rate of 201.49, amassing 270 runs in just seven innings at an impressive average of 38. Additionally, he proved to be an asset for his team, picking up some vital wickets. Unfortunately, Jacks had to leave the tournament midway to fulfill his national team commitments.
7. Leus du Plooy (Joburg Super Kings)
The only uncapped South African player in this list, who impressed cricket lovers around the globe. The local boy scored 249 runs in just eight innings at an average of 62.25, which was one of the highest in the tournament. He scored two 50s and had a decent strike of 137.57. Despite not playing all the matches, he still had a massive impact on his team.
8. Adam Rossington (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
The next player on the list is the English domestic cricketer Adam Rossington, who scored 246 runs in 10 innings with an average of 24.6. He recorded two fifties and an excellent strike rate of 166.2, showcasing his power-hitting abilities. As a member of the season winners, Rossington played a pivotal role in their victories during the crunch matches.
9. Rassie van der Dussen (MI Cape Town)
Rassie, the only player from his team, is considered an ODI specialist. However, he proved his critics wrong with his extraordinary batting skills in SA20. Scoring 253 runs in 10 innings, he maintained a decent average of 30.38 and recorded a half-century. Nonetheless, his strike rate of 122.11 was a concern for many.
10. Reeza Hendricks (Joburg Super Kings)
The 10th player on the list, Reeza Hendricks, scored 239 runs in 10 innings with an average of 23.9. Although he recorded a half-century, his strike rate of 108.64 during the tournament was relatively poor for T20 standards. However, his best performance came in the semi-finals, where he played an impressive inning of 96 while chasing a massive total.
