Kemp classic, racing Rassie: 5 memorable Proteas knocks at the ICC T20 World Cup

The ICC T20 World Cup hasn't exactly been a profitable tournament for the Proteas over the years, predominantly because of some underpowered batting despite consistently boasting strong resources.

But that doesn't mean there haven't been some classic innings played by a variety of stalwarts.

News24 Sport highlights five particularly eye-catching efforts.

HERSCHELLE GIBBS 90* off 55 deliveries against West Indies, Johannesburg 2007

Left breathless by Chris Gayle's stupendous 117 off 57, conflicted fans might've wondered whether they'd seen one of the greatest T20 innings ever while watching the early demise of their home side.

Not to worry.

The enigmatic Gibbs, who just over a year earlier slammed 175 in the memorable "438 game" against the Aussies at the same venue, was in his stride from the outset, customarily mixing some sloppiness with sheer sublimity as he helped the South Africans gallop to a target of 206 with almost two overs to spare.

Unlike Gayle's brutality, the right-hander was silky, striking 14 fours in his innings and illustrating that style can equal substance.

JUSTIN KEMP 89* off 56 deliveries against New Zealand, Durban 2007

In hindsight, the strapping middle-order strokemaker's international career was in decline by this stage, but this ultimately last hurrah was a special effort.

The Proteas had to fight throughout this match to keep the game within their reach, first after the Black Caps made a fine start and then stumbled to 45/3 in reply to 154 on a iffy surface.

Kemp, who rode his luck initially, was immense, simply because he never seemed to panic even as the rate kept climbing.

His fifty came off a relatively pedestrian 42 balls before he skilfully focused on his strength on the leg-side to unleash a