The business end of South Africa’s 4-Day Franchise competition saw the Lions crowned champions for a consecutive year. We put together a Team of the Year based on stats.
1. Grant Roelofsen – Dolphins
He has been a revelation this season. The former KES student racked up the runs for his franchise. He finished as sixth-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 575 runs including 3 centuries.
2. Eddie Moore – Warriors
The 28-year-old has been the best opener in the tournament finishing second with an average of 50.35, 705 runs under his belt that included a double century and four half-centuries.
3. Raynard van Tonder – Knights
Although he prefers the No 3 position, Van Tonder had the attitude that he would bat wherever he was needed in the team. The 21-year-old racked up 843 runs with an average of 70.25, two centuries (including a double century) and 5 half-centuries.
4. Marques Ackerman – Dolphins
The 24-year-old finished with 660 runs for the Dolphins and was one of the shining lights during their campaign. He scored six half-centuries and one century, with an average of 41.25.
5. Pite van Biljon (c) – Knights
Although the Knights finished mid-table, Van Biljon was once again a key figure for the Knights. He averaged 63.30 with one century and five half-centuries.
6. Kyle Verreynne (wk) – Cape Cobras
The wicketkeeper batsman continued to show his importance in the Cobras side. Although they finished bottom of the log, he stood out ash one of the top keeper-batsmen in the competition. He averaged 55.10, with two centuries and three half-centuries with 551 runs.
7. George Linde – Cape Cobras
George had a season of his life, which included a Proteas Test debut. He proved his ability with both bat and ball, scoring two centuries to take him to 345 runs for the season and took 30 wickets in the tournament in second place. His performances with the bat is the reason he pips Prenelan Subrayen (who finished with 8 wickets more than Linde) as the sole spinner in the side.
8. Dane Paterson – Cape Cobras
Paterson finished with 21 wickets in only five games for the Cobras. He had an average of 21.80 and an economy rate of 2.82. He was the
9. Malusi Siboto – Lions
Siboto was a key factor in the Lions’ success this season. He finished with 22 wickets, the most by any other Lions bowler.
10. Corné Dry – Knights
Although the tournament was dominated by spinners, Dry was the second on the list of most wickets by a seamer. He finished with 22 in 6 games. His best performance came against the champions the Lions when he took 5/84.
11. Lutho Sipamla – Warriors
The youngster was the top seamer in the tournament with 24 wickets as the Warriors finished 3rd. He managed to keep an economy rate of 2.96 and an average of 24.62. Although he has been backed as a limited-overs bowler at National level, he is starting to show the signs of becoming a quality red-ball bowler.
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