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South African spin maestro Tabraiz Shamsi unveiled his all-time T20I XI, a team packed with match-winners and power-hitters. The most notable omission from his star-studded lineup was Indian opener Rohit Sharma, a surprising move given his decorated career in the format.
Tabraiz Shamsi unveils his all-time T20I XI
In a recent exclusive interview with CricTracker, Shamsi revealed his all-time T20I XI filled with match-winners across departments. At the top he chose Chris Gayle and Quinton de Kock. Gayle brings raw power and intimidation while de Kock adds consistency and reliability. Virat Kohli slots in at number three with his unmatched ability to anchor and chase. The middle order features AB de Villiers who could hit the ball to every corner of the ground and Faf du Plessis known for his calmness under pressure.
MS Dhoni takes charge as captain and wicketkeeper adding his tactical brilliance and finishing skills. The lower order is built on impact with Andre Russell’s all-round strength and Rashid Khan’s world-class spin along with handy batting. Shamsi completed his XI with himself and Imran Tahir as the spin options while Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc lead the fast bowling attack.
Tabraiz Shamsi’s all-time T20I XI:
Chris Gayle, Quinton de Kock, Virat Kohli, AB de Villers, Faf du Plessis, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Andre Russell, Rashid Khan, Imran Tahir, Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Starc
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South Africa’s spin wizard dominating T20Is
Shamsi has firmly established himself as one of the premier bowlers in T20 international cricket, building an impressive record through skill, consistency, and adaptability. Representing South Africa, the left-arm wrist-spinner has appeared in 72 matches and claimed 89 wickets, making him one of the most reliable strike bowlers in the format. His rare ‘chinaman’ style, characterized by sharp variations and unpredictable flight, often leaves batters second-guessing at the crease. Beyond just taking wickets, Shamsi is admired for his ability to control the flow of runs, maintaining a solid economy rate of 7.39, which is a testament to his accuracy and composure under pressure.
His bowling average of 20.89 further emphasizes his effectiveness in breaking partnerships and restricting opponents in crucial moments. Among his standout performances, the spell of 5/24 remains a career highlight, showcasing his knack for running through line-ups and shifting momentum in South Africa’s favour. Additionally, with four four-wicket hauls already in his career, Shamsi has proven to be more than just a supporting act—he is a genuine match-winner capable of turning contests single-handedly. His record reflects not only his current stature but also his enduring value to South Africa’s T20 setup, where his presence adds both variety and potency to the bowling attack.
Would you like me to make an even more expanded version (almost like a mini player profile with background, rise, and impact), or keep it strictly stats + performance-based like above?
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