Standard Bank has heaped praise and expressed its delight as the Standard Bank Proteas reached the summit of the ICC One-Day International World Rankings over the weekend.
The team has displayed the dedication and commitment of true champions to win a record 14 consecutive ODI games on home soil over the past year. Their march to the top has included back-to-back five match clean sweeps against both Australia and Sri Lanka.
"The Standard Bank Proteas began a journey a year ago to reclaim their number one ranking and have overcome every hurdle before them to achieve their goal. They have beaten current world champions Australia and former world champions Sri Lanka in the past few months to get there. This is no mean feat and they deserve the highest praise for such a wonderful achievement," says Hazel Chimhandamba, Head of Sponsorship at Standard Bank Group.
Following the recent victory, spin wizard Imran Tahir has also jumped to number one in the global ODI rankings, while Kagiso Rabada is at number seven. Test captain Faf du Plessis, meanwhile achieved the feat of becoming only the second Protea after Hashim Amla to score 400 runs in a five match ODI series.
"There is a wonderful sense of unity in this team and the #ProteaFire has never died over the past year, no matter the challenges. There is little doubt they will continue with this form in their upcoming away tours," says Ms Chimhandamba.
The Proteas have already arrived in New Zealand for their next quest and then have a tour against England, which takes place on either side of the all-important ICC Champions Trophy.
"Standard Bank wholeheartedly supports the Proteas on these upcoming tours. This is a team that represents the fighting spirit of our rainbow nation and they will only go from strength to strength going in to the crucial Champions Trophy. We are proud to be a supporter of this wonderful national iconic team"
