50s galore: SA-born batters make impact at T20 World Cup

Even before the Proteas' ICC T20 World Cup campaign began in earnest against Zimbabwe on Monday, South African players already left their mark on the tournament.

In fact, it's been batters who've made a notable impact, with no less than four ex-countrymen scoring half-centuries in Australia to date.

Notably, those innings have been eye-catching because of their significance: they were either match-winning efforts or defiantly skilful when all seemed lost.

News24 Sport takes a quick look.

DAVID WIESE - 55 off 36 Namibia v UAE

When the evergreen former Proteas all-rounder was caught at deep midwicket, essentially confirming Namibia's elimination from the tournament, he was almost inconsolable.

Yet that was actually a bit unfair on himself because it wasn't he who put the Eagles in that position in the first place.

He came in at 46/5 and seeing his team slump to 69/7, it was clear that it was the top-order failed.

Wiese made full use of a life on 31 and produced a superbly composed effort that included three fours and three sixes, almost saving the Namibians' bacon.

In the end, it he just needed a bit more support.

CURTIS CAMPHER - 72* off 32 Ireland v Scotland

The former national Under-19 all-rounder has been reserving his most special moments for the T20 showpiece.

Last year, he became the third bowler in all T20 internationals to take 4 wickets in 4 balls and then conjured up this special when his side were 61/4 chasing 177.

It was ironic that a slog-sweep for six off Mark Watt was the impetus for his assault because his immense 225 strike-rate was misleading.

Campher didn't go out slogging, instead using the width of his crease brilliantly to frustrate the Scottish bowlers into bowling both side of the wicket.

That allowed him to use