He stole the spotlight with a stunning two-handed, diving catch at point during the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia - headlined on Youtube as 'the Best ever catch in cricket history' - but allrounder Sybrand Engelbrecht has struggled to take his sensational fielding into other aspects of his game. The bulk of his career has been spent trying to become a franchise regular at Cape Cobras, where he often has to settle for a place in the provincial side instead.

Engelbrecht is a stylish right-hander who has spent time working on his power game as much as his staying power at the crease. He is also a handy offpsinner. He holds a first-class average of just under 40, but most of his runs were scored in South Africa's second-tier competition, including his 214* against Namibia.

He has had opportunities at higher levels though. In the 2014 Champions League T20, he was a late replacement to Cobras squad and played a starring role when he defended 11 runs in a Super Over to secure a win over Barbados Tridents.

In December 2015, Engelbrecht was cited for a suspect bowling action which was declared illegal. By January 2016, he had reworked his action and tests showed he had corrected it sufficiently to bowl again.

He was, however, was cut from the Cobras' contract list for the 2016-17 season. Engelbrecht opted to stay at the Western Province provincial team in the hope of earning his franchise place back.
Firdose Moonda