Top 3 bowling performances by South Africa players on T20I debut

South Africa have often been criticized for their tendency to lose out on important matches in major tournaments like the World Cups. That is the major reason why despite having some great players in their ranks, the South African side have never gone on to win any major leagues or multinational trophies. Over the years, the South African team has produced some of the cricketing greats but never the T20 World Cup.

Let’s look at the Top 3 bowling performances by South African players on T20I debut;

3. 3/16 – Eddie Leie vs Bangladesh at Mirpur in 2015

Looking at the aggression as well as physical build Eddie Leie certainly looked like a typical fast bowler. In fact, Leie grew up with a dream of becoming a medium-pacer in Potchefstroom but eventually turned out to become a leg spinner in Johannesburg. The 36-year-old, was unfortunate as he was not given that many opportunities to represent the national side as Imran Tahir was the first-choice spinner at that time.

Despite having a short career Leie in his debut match against the Bangladesh side registered a figure of 3/16 which is to date the best bowling figure for any South African bowler.

2. 3/25 – Alfonso Thomas vs Pakistan at Johannesburg in 2007

Alfonso Thomas was one of the best death overs bowlers in the cricketing world. Thomas was a regular feature in the squad wherever he played all around the globe in the shortest format of the game. The veteran South Africa player represented the national side for just one match and it was only in his debut match that he registered a match-winning spell of 3/25.

1. 3/33 – Ryan McLaren vs England at Johannesburg in 2009

Ryan McLaren was an assiduous all-rounder who was widely known for his accuracy and not that much for his pace. In fact, McLaren was even more handy with the bat lower down the order. The 40-year-old first came into attention on the back of some terrific domestic seasons which he had in the season of 2006-2007. It was in his debut match against the England side where McLaren delivered a match-winning spell of 3/33 at Johannesburg