Proteas duo Aiden Markram and Anrich Nortje have been named in the ICC's T20 World Cup team of the tournament.
Markram struck 162 runs in five innings at the tournament at an average of 54 with his highest score of 52 not out coming in the victory against the West Indies.
Nortje’s express pace sees him slot into the team at number, with his nine wickets at 11.55 featuring a barnstorming performance that blew away Bangladesh.
The fast bowler took three for eight off his 3.2 overs to help bowl the Tigers out for just 84 and further enhance his reputation as one of the most blockbuster pacemen in world cricket.
Opening batter David Warner, leg-spinner Adam Zampa and seamer Josh Hazlewood all make the cut for Australia after helping steer their side to their first ever T20 World Cup title.
There are also spots for England ace Jos Buttler as wicketkeeper, Pakistan’s Babar Azam as captain, New Zealand left-armer Trent Boult and Sri Lanka star Wanindu Hasaranga – the tournament’s leading wicket-taker – in the line-up.
Leading the side at number three, Pakistan skipper Babar was the only batter to break the 300-run barrier throughout the duration of the competition.
The side was pulled together by a selection panel featuring commentators, former international players and journalists Ian Bishop (convenor), Natalie Germanos, Shane Watson, Lawrence Booth – of Wisden, the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday – and Shahid Hashmi of Agence France Presse and ARY Channel.
Bishop said: “As with any team selection there will be varying opinions, and robust discussion on the final composition of the squad.
“The panel respects that, and we encourage the strong debate that will ensue. This team was incredibly difficult to select over such a highly competitive tournament.
“Selections were based predominantly on the Super 12 onward to the final.”
The team of the T20 World Cup (in batting order):
1.David Warner (Australia) – 289 runs at 48.16
2. Jos Buttler (wk) (England) – 269 runs at 89.66, five dismissals
3. Babar Azam (Captain, Pakistan) – 303 runs at 60.60
4. Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – 231 runs at 46.20
5. Aiden Markram (South Africa) – 162 runs at 54.00
6. Moeen Ali (England) – 92 runs at strike rate of 131.42, seven wickets at 11
7. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 16 wickets at 9.75
8. Adam Zampa (Australia) – 13 wickets at 12.07
9. Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – 11 wickets at 15.90
10. Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 13 wickets at 13.30
11. Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – nine wickets at 11.55
12th: Shaheen Afridi – seven wickets at 24.14
