The absence of Ottneil Baartman has raised many eyebrows, especially after he surpassed Marco Jansen to become the highest wicket-taker in SA20 history. His achievement was still not enough to see him included in the SA20 World Cup team.
Baartman has appeared in three SA20 finals
His wicket-taking record equals or surpasses the performance of selected World Cup bowlers However, since the loss at the 2024 T20 World Cup Final against India, Baartman has appeared only in 11 out of a total of 29 internationals for South Africa.
South Africa Opts for a Pace-Heavy Attack
South Africa’s selectors leaned heavily towards raw pace, selecting six fast bowlers:
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
- Marco Jansen
- Anrich Nortje
- Corbin Bosch
- Kwena Maphaka
While this attack offers speed and bounce, critics argue it lacks variation—something Ottneil Baartman brings with his skiddy pace and deceptive changes of speed.
Dale Steyn Highlights Baartman’s Quality
Steyn, who coached Baartman at Sunrisers Eastern Cape during the first three SA20 seasons, strongly defended his former player.
“He’s the highest wicket-taker in SA20, won the league twice and made a final. That’s a competition filled with international batters and Proteas players. He’s number one,” Steyn posted.
Steyn mentioned not only the number of wickets Baartman has taken, but also the quality of batting line-ups he has bowled out, including Heinrich Klaasen, Jonny Bairstow, Rashid Khan, Ryan Rickelton
A Winning Spell Recommends an Argument
Baartman also showcased his prowess at Newlands, contributing to Paarl Royals handing MI Cape Town their lowest total ever in the SA20.
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- Removed Nicholas Pooran at a very critical stage
- Total: 2/8 from 2.4 overs
- Utilized lack of pace cleverly to deceive batsmen
The spell has added to the pressure for his selection and the focus on the selection procedure.
David Miller’s Reaction to the Snub of Baartman
The Paarl Royals’ David Miller, the team’s captain, understood the plight of Baartman as he had also been a casualty of a World Cup squad Miller observed, however, that despite the pain of what could have been, there is no doubt that Baartman’s love for the game is still intact, as is his intention to contribute. He indicated further that if things go as anticipated, Baartman’s future selection could still be at stake.
Leading a Young and Unheralded Attack
Even with less star power among his bowlers in the Paarl Royals, Ottneil Baartman has led from the front. He has also been mentoring another young player in 19-year-old Nqobani Mokoena.
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