The Proteas cricket team wrapped up a T20 international series victory against Ireland last week and tied the One Day International series against the same opposition.
Key figures for the Proteas during the two series hosted in Ireland were former North West Dragons and NWU Cricketers who are now plying their trade for South Africa in the green and gold. Rassie van der Dussen, Janneman Malan and Bjorn Fortuin all had key roles to play with either bat or ball and showed their mettle.
Malan was one of the standout players of the ODI series with the bat. He was the leading run- scorer with 261 runs at an average of 261 and a high score of 177*. He also hit an 83 in a losing effort and showed that he has the temperament to bat long innings on the big stage.
Van der Dussen has been Mr Consistent for the Proteas over the past couple of years. He scored 79 runs in the ODI series at an average of 39.5 but struggled in the T20 series. Bjorn Fortuin took three wickets in the second T20 inter- national to finish with best figures of 3/16 at an average of 13.66 and an economy of 5.12 over the two matches.
These performances have greatly enhanced the trio’s chance of playing in the T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman later this year. The tournament will take place from 17 October to 14 November. 
