Top 5 All-Rounders of SA20 2023: The Game-Changers on Both Bat and Ball

In this article, we will discuss the top 5 All-Rounders of SA20 2023 for the Game-Changers on Both Bat and Ball. The SA20 2023 saw a plethora of glamorous scene. The maiden edition of the SA20 2023 saw a plethora of glamorous scenes, memorable performances, and tough competitions. Among the commendable players, all-rounders undoubtedly played their part as they were the game changers because with both bat and ball, they would turn games around in its entirety. These all-rounders have ensured that they make an impact in all phases of the game. Here are the Top 5 All-Rounders of SA20 2023 who were game-changers and instrumental to their teams’ successes.

1. Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

Aiden Markram’s all-round brilliance has been one of the high points of the SA20 2023 season. As a captain for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, he actually led his team to title glory, playing an instrumental role with both bat and ball. Markram batted consistently for the tournament. He had scored 366 runs in 12 innings at an average of 33.27. In the semifinal against Joburg Super Kings, he proved he can anchor the innings and pick up the tempo at will, scoring 100 runs.

Markram, too, did not do a bad job with the ball, picking important wickets at crucial times. He was not too much prominent with bowling figures but delivered for his team in crucial phases to dominate the match. Such all-round capabilities made Markram the Player of the Season as well as turned out to be one of the most performing players of the tournament.

Read More: Joburg Super Kings in SA20 2025: Team Overview, Star Players, and Key Signings

2. Roelof van der Merwe (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

Roelof van der Merwe’s stint with the ball did not go waste in anything better than superb fashion, which made him scoop up the Bowler of the Season award. Here, Van der Merwe was very frugal with his bowling and kept picking up wickets at the right time for Sunrisers Eastern Cape. In 10 games, he picked up 20 wickets, his career’s best being 6/20. He was really great at dismantling some of the toughest opponents by his great bowling spells; his final performance was memorable.

Though he is a great bowler, his batting also contributed much to lower order. His all-around performances make him an absolute must in the Sunrisers side, consistently providing solidity and turning points.

3. Heinrich Klaasen (Durban’s Super Giants)

Heinrich Klaasen of Durban’s Super Giants was another all-rounder who impressed throughout the season. Explosive batter, Klaasen bagged massive 363 runs in just 9 innings at an average of 60.50, with blistering 104* off 44 balls that came good in the game against Pretoria Capitals. It is at the middle overs, where Klaasen showed his knack for getting quick runs, which saw him play major roles in ensuring victories for Durban’s Super Giants.

On the bowling front, Klaasen didn’t do much by way of performances but his leadership on the field and aggression were pivotal as he led the team through sticky situations. His all-round consistency made him one of the most valuable players in the competition that earned him the Batter of the Season award.

4. James Neesham (Pretoria Capitals)

There was James Neesham of Pretoria Capitals, which produced real game-changers at times when it mattered with both bat and ball. Being a middle-order batter, Neesham added some bright appearances with quickfire cameos, where he would score vital runs in pressure situations. His strike rate and his capacity to clear the ropes gave him a boost as a key player for the Capitals, especially in tight matches.

He was equally impressive as a baller, taking 14 wickets within 12 games and boasting a career spell of 3/7 within a match. His ability to bowl in death overs and provide breakthroughs in middle overs made him such an important all-rounder for Pretoria Capitals. It was the result of his solid performances that had enabled the side to reach the semi-finals, though Neesham remained one of the impact players of the tournament.

5. Andile Phehlukwayo (Paarl Royals)

ALL-ROUND Man:  Andile Phehlukwayo of Paarl Royals was an absolute Superstar in SA20 2023. Till date, he has been a very effective operator in the middle overs, taking such wickets on such moments and also maintaining tight economy rates. He picked up 15 wickets in 11 games with the best of 3/19.

He may not have been the most obviously prolific batsman around, but Phehlukwayo’s batting was good enough. He could play a match-winning knock in tight situations that proved to be a boon for Paarl Royals. His terrific overall show with the ball and the bat gave much balance to his team, which is why he was all set to become an all-rounder to watch out for.

The Conclusion of the Top 5 All-Rounders of SA20 2023

The best all-rounders of the 2023 SA20 season were the ones who gave their team a reason to take the journey and helped immensely in making their team’s journey worthwhile. Aiden Markram was one such player, as he showed great leadership skills along with his contributions both with the bat and the ball, while Roelof van der Merwe and his exceptional bowling skills helped Sunrisers Eastern Cape win the trophy. Heinrich Klaasen was aggressive at the batting end, and James Neesham proved consistency with both bat and ball for his respective teams. Andile Phehlukwayo’s all-round contributions were vital for the Paarl Royals.

They perfectly highlighted what an all-rounder actually is in the context of T20 cricket—ability to play according to the demands of a particular match situation and, eventually, add significant value in playing their areas of specialization simultaneously. Their flair entertained people, and they also heavily contributed towards the winning of their teams during this tournament.

Disclaimer: This cricket blog reflects the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.