Connor Esterhuizen Takes His Chance

Ten days ago, Connor Esterhuizen wasn’t among South African cricket’s favoured few. At 24, he hadn’t played international cricket at any level. In 34 T20 innings, he had just two half-centuries with a highest score of 69 and a strike rate of 126.04—unremarkable numbers for someone batting in the top order.

His SA20 returns were also modest: in the latest edition, one fifty in 11 innings at a strike rate of 105.73. So why was he selected for South Africa’s T20I series in New Zealand?

One reason was opportunity: 12 members of the World Cup squad were rested, creating an opening. Another reason emerged on debut in Mount Maunganui, where he opened and scored 45 not out off 48 balls to steer South Africa to a seven-wicket win.

After promising starts came brief dips—scores of 8 and 15 in the next two matches—but Esterhuizen responded emphatically. Batting at No. 3 in Wellington, he struck 57 off 36 balls (strike rate 158.33). In the series decider in Christchurch, he bettered that with 75 off just 33 balls (strike rate 227.27), with nearly 75% of his runs in boundaries.

Crucially, when Esterhuizen scored significantly, South Africa won. When he didn’t, they lost.

“I’ve tried to take my game to another level,” Esterhuizen said after the Wellington match. “For most people the talent is there, but it’s the decision-making that’s key the higher you go. And how you deal with failures—this game is a game of failures.”

Coach Shukri Conrad described the series as “an invaluable exercise” for players like Esterhuizen—those on the fringes, awaiting their chance.

Sometimes players don’t kick down the door to the highest level. Sometimes they work hard in the background, hope for an opportunity, and, when it comes, seize it.

Quinton de Kock will likely return soon, but Esterhuizen is over eight years younger. And he isn’t competing only as a wicketkeeper-batter; he’d be content playing purely as a batter if needed.

Esterhuizen has opened a door for himself. The challenge now is to keep it open.