All-time African ODI XI

With their seemingly endless supply of world-class players, South Africa are one of the top teams in international cricket history. During the late 90s and early 2000s, Zimbabwe were a force to be reckoned with. Against all odds, Kenya sprung a major surprise by entering into the semi-final of the 2003 World Cup. The prospect of a combined ODI XI from these three countries to represent the continent of Africa becomes a lip-smacking one.

Admittedly, the dream team should be overshadowed by the array of stars produced by South Africa. However, Zimbabwe have contributed a few great players of their own. Without comprising on quality and factoring in the necessity to facilitate proportional representation from the three countries, an all-time Africa XI has been assembled to challenge any opponent in ODIs.

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#5 Openers

Hashim Amla is a consistent accumulator of runs at the top of the order

Hashim Amla is one of the very few batsmen in the history of ODIs to average above 50 after a sizeable number of matches. Initially pigeon-holed as a Test specialist, the classy right-hander has come a long way and established himself as a reliable opener for the Proteas. While his track record in ICC events may not be sparkling, the right-hander's irrepressible consistency makes him an automatic pick for one of the two slots at the top of the order.

With his solid technique and unflappable temperament, Gary Kirsten was a constant presence for South Africa at the top of the order. Considering the fact that he played the vast majority of his career on bowling-friendly pitches against world-class fast bowlers, the left-hander pips his more flamboyant former opening partner Herschelle Gibbs as well as the resolute Graeme Smith to join hands with Amla in this lineup.

Openers: Hashim Amla (South Africa) and Gary Kirsten (South Africa)

#4 Middle-order

AB de Villiers is one of the most dynamic batsmen to play ODI cricket

Jacques Kallis remains one of only two cricketers (the other being Sanath Jayasuriya) to score more than 10,000 runs and pick up over 250 wickets in ODI history. Technically flawless against both pace and spin, the right-hander was the bulwark of South Africa's batting lineup for most of his fabled career. Occupying the vital number three position, he can hold one end on challenging pitches and lay the foundation for the flamboyant stroke-makers below him.

Perhaps AB de Villiers' dynamism and dazzling array of shots have taken him closer than any batsman when it comes to matching the aura of the peerless Sir Viv Richards. Apart from de Villiers, no other cricketer has averaged above 50 and scored at a strike-rate of more than 100 simultaneously from a sizeable number of ODIs.

The key to his success stems from a well-balanced stance upon which he can unfurl different types of shots to manipulate various field placements.

Faf du Plessis has been drafted into this star-studded outfit for two reasons. First among those is the ability to re-position his game to meet the demands of distinct situations. While he can manoeuvre the field with his silken timing in the middle-overs, the 33-year old also has the wherewithal to take the attack to the opposition during the latter stages of the innings. When his astute leadership is added to the equation, the Pretoria-born cricketer becomes an asset to any team. His shrewd man-management quality could come in handy while captaining such a heterogeneous side.

Middle-order: Jacques Kallis (South Africa), AB de Villiers (South Africa) and Faf du Plessis (captain) (South Africa)

#3 Wicketkeeper & all-rounders

Andy Flower is the greatest ever cricketer produced by Zimbabwe

Although AB de Villiers has the ability to don the wicket-keeping gloves with consummate ease, the presence of a specialist can enable him to concentrate solely on his batting performance. While Mark Boucher might be a more reliable option behind the stumps, Andy Flower's consistency with the bat sees him take up the niche spot in this team. The Zimbabwean could tear apart the most threatening of spinners. His wicket-keeping skills were also commendable, to say the least.

With his sublime hitting and penetrative seam bowling, Lance Klusener was one of the most valuable ODI player of his all-time. As with any South African cricketer, he was also a scintillating fielder. Even though he lost a bit of pace towards the end of his career due to recurring injuries, the right-armer's accuracy never deserted him. His virtuoso efforts in the 1999 World Cup remains one of the most alluring all-round performances in the tournament history.

It is quite baffling as to why Shaun Pollock does not enter the discussions centering around the best in the game. Despite not possessing the stifling pace of his new-ball partner, he subjected top-order batsmen to a relentless examination of technique and temperament. Consistency in length was his forte. In addition to his nagging bowling, the right-hander was also a versatile batsman lower down the order. Coming in at number eight in the African dream team, he bolsters the batting lineup by a significant margin.

Wicket-keeper: Andy Flower (Zimbabwe)

All-rounders: Lance Klusener (South Africa) and Shaun Pollock (South Africa)

#2 Bowlers

Allan Donald's scorching pace and immaculate control often unsettled batting lineups

Even though Dale Steyn may have a better shout for slotting into the playing eleven, Heath Streak's subtle variations as well as handy ability with the bat make him a more feasible option at number nine.

Despite having to shoulder the burden of the entire Zimbabwean bowling attack right throughout his career, the right-armer managed to rise to the occasion and picked up 239 wickets from 189 matches.

Not surprisingly, there are not too many options to choose from when it comes to spinners. With most pitches in Africa aiding pace bowling, only very few tweakers have been able to make an impact in the 50-over format.

By a significant distance, Imran Tahir remains the most threatening spinner to represent a team from this part of the world. His outstanding record in both ODIs and T20Is stand as a testament to his wicket-taking prowess.

Among all bowlers with at least 250 wickets in ODI history, Allan Donald's average of 21.78 is the joint-best along side Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. Capable of unleashing fearsome pace, the South African fast bowler tormented batsmen right throughout the 90s. A smooth bowling action helped him control the ball at rapid speeds and scythe through batting lineups on a regular basis.

Bowlers: Heath Streak (Zimbabwe), Imran Tahir (South Africa) and Allan Donald (South Africa)

#1 Full Team

Steve Tikolo will not only be the 12th man but also Kenya's representative in the African team

As with every team, the role of 12th man becomes indispensable. There are numerous contenders ranging from Ray Price to Dale Steyn. Ideally, Jonty Rhodes could be the perfect fit for this position and can enter the arena as a substitute fielder whenever needed.

Extra Cover: Kenya's 2003 World Cup semi-final team - Where are they now?

However, in order to have a fair representation of the entire African continent, a player from Kenya will complete the side. In such case, former skipper Steve Tikolo should be the preeminent pick from the East African nation.

Apart from being one of the best batsmen among Associate teams, he was also a serviceable off-spinner. If the track is expected to offer turn, the all-rounder can even enter the playing eleven as a second spin option.

All-time African ODI XI

Full Team: Hashim Amla (South Africa), Gary Kirsten (South Africa), Jacques Kallis (South Africa), AB de Villiers (South Africa), Faf du Plessis (c) (South Africa), Andy Flower (wk) (Zimbabwe), Lance Klusener (South Africa), Shaun Pollock (South Africa), Heath Streak (Zimbabwe), Imran Tahir (South Africa) and Allan Donald (South Africa)

12th man: Steve Tikolo (Kenya)