The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has released the latest Proteas SACA MVP rankings following the conclusion of a jam-packed start to the international season with tours to Zimbabwe, Australia and England. The rankings, powered by CricViz’s data, provide an objective assessment of player performance across a demanding period of international fixtures.
The new season’s first dominant performances belong to young sensation Dewald Brevis, who has soared to the summit of the Overall Proteas SACA MVP rankings with a commanding 208.621 MVP points. He came into the recent series against England with a significant lead, having already produced a breathtaking, unbeaten 125 from just 56 balls against Australia—a new record for the highest individual T20I score by a Proteas batter. In the recent ODI series against England, Brevis demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, including a crucial 42 off 20 balls in the second match at Lord’s. His quick scoring helped the team recover and build a winning total, which saw him take the lead in the T20i rankings with 158.554 MVP points.
The One Day International (ODI) rankings are led by the seasoned spin maestro, Keshav Maharaj, who holds the top spot with 66.483 MVP points. His consistency and top performances have propelled him to the top of the rankings and have seen him become the ICC Men’s ODI bowler rankings after a sensational start to the season. His masterclass in the first ODI against Australia, where he bamboozled the opposition with a career-best 5/33, followed by a commanding 4/22 in the first ODI against England, earned him Player of the Series honours.
In Test rankings, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder sits atop the rankings with an impressive 150.71 MVP points. This feat was cemented by a truly historic performance against Zimbabwe, where his epic unbeaten knock of 367 became the highest individual score by a South African in Test history, a monumental effort that showcased his immense patience and skill.
The SACA MVP system, a partnership with CricViz, moves beyond traditional statistics to measure a player’s true value. This sophisticated model assesses a player’s influence on every single ball, taking into account their batting, bowling, and fielding. It meticulously factors in the context of the game, including the strength of the opposition, the playing conditions, and high-pressure situations, to provide the most accurate measure of a player’s contribution.
“The start of this international season has been absolutely electric, and the MVP rankings have captured the individual brilliance that has fuelled the team’s success,” said Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO. “From Dewald’s record-breaking T20 innings to Wiaan’s historic Test knock and Keshav’s masterful ODI performance that not only topped our rankings but also earned him the number one spot in the world. These players have delivered incredible performances and have continued to inspire a nation. Their achievements are a testament to their dedication, and we look forward to more strong performances this season.”
