Connor Esterhuizen has jumped in the latest ICC T20I batting rankings, registering the second-highest rating points by a player from his country after five matches, following the Proteas' series win in New Zealand.
Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis have earned maiden national contracts after Cricket South Africa announced the list ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
Proteas stand-in T20 captain Keshav Maharaj has given props to debutant Connor Esterhuizen after he bagged the Man of the Series gong in their series win over New Zealand.
Connor Esterhuizen continued his good form to help the Proteas to a 33-run win against New Zealand in the final T20I in Christchurch as the tourists sealed a 3-2 series victory.
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad says the "jury is out" on whether the T20I series in New Zealand should have been given international status but insists the tour has been an "invaluable exercise".
Proteas wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen says his first tour with the Proteas has been one big learning experience, and would not trade it for anything.