World Cup 2019: 3 surprise packages from the tournament

#2 Rassie Van Der Dussen (South Africa)

Rassie van der Dussen was in fine form in the middle order

In a campaign that went horribly wrong for South Africa, their only silver lining was the emergence of batsman Rassie van der Dussen. Post the retirement of AB de Villiers, the onus of scoring runs in the World Cup fell on seniors Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock but it was this right hander who took everyone by surprise with the talent he possessed.

Although Van der Dussen has not sealed his place yet in this South Africa’s side in all formats, his calmness in the middle and the time he had while playing his strokes suggested that he was ready for all the challenges thrown at him at the international level.

Dussen finished with 311 runs from 6 innings that included three half-centuries. His 67 off 64 balls against the Kiwis on a slow wicket was a top class knock and one that could have won the game for South Africa, only for the class of Kane Williamson to seal the game for NZ.

His 97-ball 95 against Australia was yet another inning of maturity, against a world-class bowling unit which proved to be a much-needed knock to anchor South Africa's innings.