Greatest South African ODI XI of all time
On face value, the combination of one-day cricket and South Africa is largely associated with the term 'choking' due to their several painful defeats in key World Cup matches. Although they have regularly underachieved in major tournaments, the Proteas have usually been among the top ODI teams due to their consistent showing in bilateral matches across the globe.
Also Read: Greatest South African Test XI of all time
In this segment, let us assemble an all time South African ODI lineup capable of defeating the strongest of oppositions on different surfaces. Emphasis has been placed on long-serving players with balanced records in various territories as well as memorable performances against powerful opponents. A formidable mix of enterprising batting, spectacular fielding and potent pace bowling join hands to result in a star-studded cross-generational Proteas outfit.
(Note: All Statistics of active players are accurate as of 12th February, 2018)
#5 Openers
Since making his debut in 2008, Hashim Amla has grown from strength to strength and established himself as a prolific run-scorer in ODIs. From 162 matches thus far, he has accumulated 7454 runs at a remarkable average of 50.36 with 26 centuries and 34 fifties. The technically compact right-hander is the fastest to complete 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 runs in ODI history.
Even though more gifted men may have played for the Proteas, Graeme Smith stands as the embodiment of pure grit in the annals of South African cricket. From 2002 till his final appearance in 2013, he played 197 ODIs and scored 6989 runs at an average of 37.98 and strike-rate of 80.81 with 10 tons and 47 fifties. Thrust into the mantle of captaincy before he could find his feet at the highest level, the left-hander emerged to become the finest skipper from the Rainbow Nation. Needless to say, he captains the all-time ODI XI.