Rassie van der Dussen scores 91 in SA20, but finger injury raises Champions Trophy worries

Rassie van der Dussen continues to redefine his white-ball game, proving he can deliver under pressure even as injury concerns loom large. The MI Cape Town batter, playing against Paarl Royals in the SA20, produced an unbeaten 91-run masterclass laced with innovative shots, but his stellar performance was overshadowed by a finger injury sustained during fielding.

In a game that showcased his determination, van der Dussen pulled off audacious strokes, including a reverse-lap six that left spectators in awe. Facing an in-form Kwena Maphaka, van der Dussen’s reverse-lap after feigning a ramp shot sent the ball sailing over deep third. Reflecting on the moment, he admitted it came with risks: “When you’re lapping pace, you’ve got to be ready to take it on the body if you miss. It’s nice when it works out.”

That shot pushed his score to 15, setting the stage for a calculated yet aggressive knock. While van der Dussen’s performance stood out, 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius also impressed, scoring a scintillating 83 off 52 balls and raising questions about his potential for national selection. But van der Dussen, as a senior player, welcomed the competition.

“As a senior, you can’t be complacent,” he said. “It’s great to see young talent like Pretorius coming through. There’s criticism about our cricket system, but players like him prove we’re still producing world-class cricketers.”

Despite being a mainstay in South Africa’s white-ball plans, van der Dussen’s injury could jeopardise his availability for the upcoming Champions Trophy. While fielding at cover-point, he attempted a leaping stop off a Joe Root shot but only managed to deflect the ball for four, injuring his ring finger in the process. Post-match, he downplayed the swelling, saying he felt no immediate pain, but South Africa will be holding their breath, especially with Anrich Nortje already ruled out of the tournament.

Van der Dussen’s form, however, remains undeniable. His calculated aggression has been a hallmark of his play in recent years. Against Paarl Royals, he dominated the spin-heavy attack in tricky conditions, capitalising on gaps with precise running. He tallied 25 singles and eight twos while hammering 33 runs off just 14 balls from Maphaka, demonstrating his ability to dominate pace bowling.

In 2023, his strike rate against seamers stood at 131.7, but he elevated it to an impressive 160.4 in 2024. It’s part of a deliberate shift in his game to counter pace effectively, particularly in powerplay situations. “I’ve made a conscious effort to put bowlers under pressure, especially when opening. Playing T10 leagues has sharpened my boundary-hitting skills,” he explained.

At 36, van der Dussen draws inspiration from fellow veteran Faf du Plessis, who continues to adapt his game at 40. “Faf’s approach to constantly renewing his game inspires me. I’m in my latter years too, but I feel there’s still more to give.”

This drive to evolve comes amid disappointments in other formats. Van der Dussen was dropped from South Africa’s Test squad in 2023 and missed out on the T20 World Cup despite excelling in the SA20. He captained a depleted side in bilateral series, enduring crushing defeats, which he admits left scars.

Still, his hunger for improvement is evident. With his Champions Trophy spot hanging in the balance, van der Dussen’s unbeaten 91 serves as a timely reminder of his value to South African cricket. The coming days will determine if his injury is a mere scare or a major setback, but for now, his resilience remains the headline act.