5 BETWAY SA20 STARS TO WATCH DURING THE SA VS INDIA SERIES

The Proteas and world champions India meet in a rematch of the ICC T20 World Cup Final at Kingsmead today.

It is the first of four T20I’s set to be played all around the country over the next week.

Equally, it is an opportunity for Betway SA20 stars to put their name up in lights and hopefully attract the attention of any of the Indian Premier League franchises ahead of the mega-auction set to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the end of the month.

“As we all know, a lot of things can fall into place for players and we're fortunate that we play in a series against (India) pretty much just before the auction happens,” Proteas T20I and Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain Aiden Markram said.

“So that would pretty much be the bonus of doing well, firstly, collectively and for the individuals that put their hands up.

“I don't think it's your motivation to do well when you play for your country but it’s the bonus that potentially could follow.”

Here are five Betway SA20 stars to look out for in the #SAvIND T20I series:

Nqaba Peter (Paarl Royals)

The young leg-spinner has enjoyed a meteoric rise after making his Royals debut - as a Rookie replacement - last year at St George's Park. He has gone on to represent the Proteas in the West Indies and the UAE. He has also since been backed by the Paarl Royals for next season ahead of the experienced Tabraiz Shamsi.

He will now be eager to make his mark against the powerful Indian batting line-up in the bid to land an IPL deal.

Donovan Ferreira (Joburg Super Kings)

The big-hitting finisher from Joburg Super Kings has had a taste of the IPL before with Rajasthan Royals and will hope to go back for another season. Donovan Ferreira is certainly in good form after dominating the local T20 Challenge for the Titans with 276 runs at an average of 46. He may struggle to get an opportunity to get into the starting XI with Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller back in the Proteas squad, but he will certainly want to utilise the chances he does get.

Ryan Rickelton (MI Cape Town)

The heir to Quinton de Kock’s throne at the top of the order and behind the wicket for the Proteas. Ryan Rickelton will relish the chance to be unleashed against the Indian bowling attack. He certainly has the pedigree after being the highest run-scorer in Betway SA20 Season 2 and also among the top run-getters in the MLC.

Patrick Kruger (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

It would certainly be a fairytale story should Patrick Kruger be picked up at the IPL auction. He started Betway SA20 Season 2 as a net bowler before being inserted into the squad as a replacement. Kruger has not looked back since where he was one for the few standout players for the Proteas during their 3-0 whitewash in the Caribbean. A seam bowling big-hitting allrounder has always been a popular buy at the auction and Kruger could just strike it lucky if he delivers in this India series.

Ottneil Baartman (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

Ottneil Baartman, the leading wicket-taker across the two Betway SA20 seasons to date, has taken the next step up to international cricket and certainly looked the part, particularly at the ICC T20 World Cup on helpful pitches in the US and Caribbean. Baartman’s claim to fame is his ability to hit his yorkers at the death and if he closes out a few matches during this series, Baartman could be in line for a big pay day.

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