Twenty20 World Cup Team Stats - South Africa..
Graeme Smith (capt)
After a prolific performance with the bat in the 50-over World Cup earlier in 2007 - he hit 443 runs averaging 49.22 - Smith will again be one of the contenders for player of the tournament at the 20-over showpiece. His hitting ability at the top of the order make him one of the most feared batsman in limited overs cricket.
Herschelle Gibbs
Gibbs is one of the most talented and flamboyant batsmen around and an in the absence of Jacques Kallis, will be expected to shoulder a lot of the middle-order responsibilities. The right-handed opener-cum-number four can play every shot in the book and demonstrated his potency by thrashing a world-record six sixes in an over against the Netherlands at the 50-over World Cup earlier this year. He is also a brilliant fielder.
AB de Villiers
Fairly new to the national set-up, De Villiers is the future of South African cricket. The right-handed batsman is also an accomplished wicketkeeper and opening batsman, but his versatility allows him to bat anywhere. Another member of the Proteas strong fielding contingent.
Jean-Paul Duminy
Highly effective in domestic cricket, Duminy is yet to transform his immense batting ability ability onto the international stage. The diminutive left-hander broke into the squad during their tour to Sri Lanka in 2004, but has since been on the fringes going on to play 13 ODIs. Will be hoping for a good showing at the Twenty20 event to try and cement his place.
Gulam Bodi
Born in India, Bodi arrived in South Africa at an early age and has been on the domestic scene for almost 10 years. Initially caught the selectors' eye as a spin bowler, but his batting has come on in recent years seeing him develop into a hard-hitting opener. Made 50 on his ODI debut recently against Zimbabwe and will be also be aiming to establish a place in the team.
Loots Bosman
The right-hand opening batsman only made his breakthrough into the national set-up in 2006. He was part of the World Cup squad in the Caribbean, but played just one game. His attacking style suit the Twenty20 format and will be a dangerous customer if given the chance. Is also a lightning-quick fielder.
Mark Boucher (wkt)
The quickest wicketkeeper to take 100, 150 and 200 ODI catches. A brilliant gloveman, whose big-hitting batting ability make him one of the best in the game.
Justin Kemp
The natural successor to Lance Klusener, Kemp is a destructive right-handed batsman, who also chips in with useful medium-pacers. His astounding hitting ability makes him another capable match-winner in the line-up. A poor World Cup means he will be looking for redemption and the 20-over format is the ideal stage.
Shaun Pollock
Arguably the best all-rounder in the world, former captain Pollock, could be one of Smith's trump cards at home where he is even more effective. He has the ability to both restrict runs and take wickets. He is also a more than capable right-handed batsman.
Albie Morkel
The senior of the two Morkel brothers in the squad, Albie is a genuine all-rounder and is one many young players being tipped to take over from the ageing Pollock. His fast-medium pacey make him a tricky customer with the ball, while he can surely wield the willow with the bat and has a first-class average of above 40.
Morne Morkel
The junior Morkel brother, Morne is three years younger than his sibling and is known more as an out-and-out pace bowler. His lanky figure allows him to extract extra bounce and he is sure to be a threat on home soil. He is also a useful lower-order batsman.
Makhaya Ntini
A product of Cricket South Africa's development programme, the first black player to represent his country has developed into one of the fiercest in the game.South Africa's premier strike bowler models his game on the late West Indian fast bowler, Malcolm Marshall and after a poor 50-over World Cup, will be desperate to make amends.
Vernon Philander
A talented all-rounder, Philander is another player vying to replace Pollock. His right-arm medium-fast pace has especially been impressive of late earning him a first call into the national team for their one-day tour of Ireland in which he claimed four for 12 on his debut against the host team.
Johan van der Wath
Van der Wath is one of many gifted players, who has been unlucky due to South Africa's abundance of all-rounders. Nonetheless, he is a spirited cricketer capable of lively pace bowling and powerful hitting in the middle order and will be another possible match-winner at the tournament.
Thandi Tshabalala
For a country that has struggled to produce a top quality spinner, Tshabalala follows a host of slow bowlers to be given a shot at the position. No fewer then five spinners have given the chance in recent years and the young Free Stater will be keen to prove the critics wrong. He has struggled to settle in first-class cricket, but earned his call after impressing in the domestic 50 and 20 over formats.



















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