Ryan Rickelton tops the SA20 run-scoring charts with 1,216 runs from 31 matches, pairing high-volume consistency with an elite strike rate. His best of 113 underlines dominance, powerplay control, and sustained impact across multiple SA20 seasons.
Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram follow closely, each crossing 1,070 runs, with Klaasen’s unbeaten 104 underlining his reputation as SA20’s most destructive middle-order hitter. Heinrich van der Dussen’s 1,102 runs in 37 matches reflect reliability at the top, while Faf du Plessis adds experience with multiple match-winning innings, including a best of 113*.
International stars like Jos Buttler and Quinton de Kock feature prominently despite fewer matches, showing high impact per appearance. Finishers such as David Miller and rising talents like Jordan Hermann and Matthew Breetzke round out the list, illustrating SA20’s blend of global stars and South African depth. In this article, we examine the Most Runs in SA20, highlighting Ryan Rickelton’s record-breaking tally, season-wise leaders, and key batting performances.
Most Runs in SA20: Top 10 Run-Scorers
This table highlights the top ten highest run-scorers in SA20 history, showcasing consistent performers who have dominated the league with runs across multiple seasons since 2023.
| Rank | Player | Matches | Runs | Highest Innings Score | Span |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RD Rickelton (MICT) | 31 | 1216 | 113 | 2023–2026 |
| 2 | HE van der Dussen (MICT) | 37 | 1102 | 104 | 2023–2026 |
| 3 | H Klaasen (DSG) | 39 | 1078 | 104* | 2023–2026 |
| 4 | AK Markram (DSG/SEC) | 42 | 1077 | 100 | 2023–2026 |
| 5 | F du Plessis (JSK) | 38 | 990 | 113* | 2023–2026 |
| 6 | JC Buttler (DSG/PR) | 28 | 943 | 97* | 2023–2026 |
| 7 | Q de Kock (DSG/SEC) | 37 | 848 | 83* | 2023–2026 |
| 8 | DA Miller (PR) | 35 | 817 | 75* | 2023–2026 |
| 9 | J Hermann (SEC) | 35 | 812 | 106* | 2023–2026 |
| 10 | MP Breetzke (DSG/SEC) | 33 | 754 | 78 | 2023–2026 |
Four of the top ten batters have represented multiple franchises, showing that high run accumulation in SA20 is not team-dependent but performance-driven. Five of the ten highest scores are unbeaten innings, indicating a strong link between not-out finishes and higher individual SA20 scores. No player in the top ten has played fewer than 28 matches, suggesting that sustained selection and availability are critical to entering the all-time runs list.
1. Ryan Rickelton (MI Cape Town)
Ryan Rickelton is the highest run-scorer in SA20 history, accumulating 1,216 runs in 31 matches between 2023 and 2026. His output translates to an exceptional 39.22 runs per match, the best among all batters in the top ten. Operating primarily as a top-order batter, he has repeatedly delivered potent powerplay starts and match-defining innings.
Rickelton’s highest score of 113 is one of the league’s standout hundreds and highlights his ability to dominate bowling attacks across all phases. Ryan Rickelton scored 113 (63) for MI Cape Town vs Durban’s Super Giants at Newlands, Cape Town, on 26 December 2025 in a high-scoring chase, his career-best SA20 innings featuring 11 sixes and five fours. He crossed the 1,000-run mark faster than any other SA20 batter, underlining elite consistency. Rickelton’s scoring rate is reflected in his 106 fours and 72 sixes, showing a boundary every 4.3 balls on average.
2. Heinrich van der Dussen (MI Cape Town)
Heinrich van der Dussen ranks second on the SA20 all-time run list with 1,102 runs in 37 matches. His highest score of 104 demonstrates his capacity to anchor innings and bat deep. Van der Dussen averages 29.78 runs per match, emphasizing consistency rather than explosive scoring. Rassie van der Dussen scored 104 (50) for MI Cape Town vs Joburg Super Kings at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, on 13 January 2024, powering a commanding opening partnership and a 243/5 total in SA20 League 2024.
His boundary count of 72 fours and 57 sixes shows controlled aggression across innings. Van der Dussen has featured in every SA20 season since 2023, registering more than 300 runs in multiple seasons, a mark of durability. Unlike power hitters, his value lies in strike rotation and minimizing risk, making him one of the league’s most dependable top-order batters. He has played a key stabilizing role for MI Cape Town, frequently batting through collapses and building partnerships.
3. Heinrich Klaasen (Durban’s Super Giants)
Heinrich Klaasen has scored 1,078 runs in 39 matches, making him one of SA20’s most destructive middle-order batters. His highest score of 104* underlines his finishing and acceleration ability. Heinrich Klaasen scored 104 off 44 balls* for Durban’s Super Giants vs Pretoria Capitals at Centurion Park, Centurion on 5 February 2023, an explosive, high-strike-rate century featuring powerful boundary hitting and match dominance.
Klaasen averages 27.64 runs per match, but his power-hitting amplifies his impact. He has struck 70 sixes, the highest six-hitting tally among the top ten, alongside 67 fours. Klaasen often bats in high-pressure overs, where his strike output significantly alters match momentum. His SA20 career includes one century and nine fifties, highlighting consistency despite a high-risk role. Klaasen’s dominance against spin has been a defining feature of the league. His numbers confirm him as SA20’s most explosive run-scorer, capable of changing games within a few overs.
4. Aiden Markram (Durban’s Super Giants / Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
Aiden Markram has accumulated 1,077 runs in 42 matches, making him the most-used batter in the SA20 top ten, his highest score of 100 highlights his ability to convert starts into major innings. Aiden Markram scored 100 (58) for Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Joburg Super Kings at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on 9 February 2023, anchoring a dominant SA20 semi-final performance with aggressive boundary hitting and a match-winning century.
Markram averages 25.64 runs per match, delivering steady contributions across multiple seasons. He has represented two franchises, demonstrating adaptability across both the top and middle orders. His 80 fours and 35 sixes reflect a technique driven scoring approach rather than brute power. Markram has consistently crossed 300 runs in multiple SA20 seasons, underlining longevity. His leadership has added tactical value, and his SA20 record highlights consistent performance, making him one of the league’s most reliable batters.
5. Faf du Plessis (Joburg Super Kings)
Faf du Plessis has scored 990 runs in 38 matches, narrowly missing the 1,000-run milestone. His highest score of 113* is among the best captain’s innings in SA20 history. Du Plessis averages 26.05 runs per match, delivering consistent top-order starts. Aiden Markram scored 100 (58) for Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Joburg Super Kings at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on 9 February 2023, anchoring a dominant SA20 semi-final performance with aggressive boundary hitting and a match-winning century.
His attacking intent is reflected in 98 fours and 42 sixes, indicating strong powerplay dominance. Despite being one of the league’s oldest players, he has maintained elite fitness and performance levels. Du Plessis has registered seven fifties and one century, often anchoring innings while maintaining scoring momentum. His SA20 record highlights experience-driven consistency, making him one of the most influential overseas batters in the competition.
6. Jos Buttler (Durban’s Super Giants / Paarl Royals)
Jos Buttler has produced 943 runs in just 28 matches, making him one of the most efficient run-scorers in SA20. He averages an impressive 33.68 runs per match, second only to Rickelton in the top ten. Buttler’s highest score of 97* reflects his finishing strength. Faf du Plessis scored 113 off 58 balls* for Joburg Super Kings vs Durban’s Super Giants at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 24 January 2023, leading an 182/2 chase and delivering the first century in SA20 history.
Despite fewer appearances, he has struck 95 fours and 34 sixes, underlining frequent boundary output. Buttler’s SA20 impact is most substantial during powerplays, where his aggressive starts often decide matches early. He has recorded eight fifties without scoring a century, showing consistency rather than peak accumulation. His numbers confirm why he remains one of the most feared white-ball batters in franchise cricket globally.
7. Quinton de Kock (Durban’s Super Giants / Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
Quinton de Kock has scored 848 runs in 37 matches, primarily as an opening batter. His highest score of 83* highlights quick-scoring innings rather than extended knocks. Quinton de Kock scored 83 off 51 balls* for Durban’s Super Giants vs Paarl Royals at Kingsmead, Durban on 28 January 2024, anchoring a brisk top-order innings that drove his side’s competitive total in SA20 2024.
De Kock averages 22.92 runs per match, reflecting a high-risk, high-impact role. His boundary output includes 75 fours and 46 sixes, emphasizing aggressive powerplay intent. He has often provided early momentum, allowing middle-order batters to capitalize. De Kock’s SA20 numbers may be lower in volume, but his contributions frequently come in decisive matches. His role as a tempo-setter rather than an accumulator defines his SA20 career.
8. David Miller (Paarl Royals)
David Miller has amassed 817 runs in 35 matches, operating almost exclusively as a middle-order finisher. His highest score of 75* underscores his role in closing innings rather than building them. David Miller scored 75 off 42 balls* for Paarl Royals vs Pretoria Capitals at SuperSport Park, Centurion on 14 January 2024, anchoring a 210/3 total with aggressive hitting, including 21 fours and six sixes, marking his SA20 career-best score.
Miller averages 23.34 runs per match, with many innings coming under pressure. His 28 sixes and 65 fours reflect calculated boundary-hitting in death overs. Miller’s value lies in match context, often rescuing chases or maximizing final overs. He has remained not out 13 times, highlighting finishing efficiency. His SA20 stats reinforce his reputation as one of the league’s most dependable closers.
9. Jordan Hermann (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
Jordan Hermann has scored 812 runs in 35 matches, including a standout 106*, one of SA20’s youngest centuries. He averages 23.20 runs per match, showing consistency across seasons. Hermann’s 80 fours reflect clean timing and placement. He has often played stabilizing roles during top-order collapses.
Jordan Hermann’s 106 (62)* came for Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs MI Cape Town at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town on 16 January 2024, steering his side to a thrilling victory. His SA20 century came under pressure, cementing his reputation as a composed batter. Hermann has crossed more than 250 runs in multiple seasons, highlighting steady progression. His numbers position him as one of SA20’s most promising domestic batters.
10. Matthew Breetzke (Durban’s Super Giants / Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
Matthew Breetzke completes the top ten with 754 runs in 33 matches. His highest score of 78 reflects steady top-order contributions rather than explosive innings. Matthew Breetzke scored 78 (43) for Durban’s Super Giants vs Paarl Royals at Kingsmead, Durban, on 28 January 2024, anchoring a massive 208/7 total in SA20 League 2024 and earning Player of the Match for his aggressive top-order knock.
Breetzke averages 22.85 runs per match, offering consistency across franchises, and has scored 71 fours and 32 sixes, showing a good balance in his scoring. Often, he rebuilds innings and plays several stabilizing knocks. Breetzke’s SA20 record highlights reliability and adaptability, making him a valuable domestic performer in a high-quality franchise league.
Season-Wise Top Run-Scorers Table For SA20
This table clearly shows season leaders, team contribution, and run volume, making it ideal for stat comparison.
| Season | Top Run-Scorer | Team | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA20 2023 | Jos Buttler | Paarl Royals | 10 | 378 |
| SA20 2024 | Ryan Rickelton | MI Cape Town | 10 | 530 |
| SA20 2025 | Lhuan-dre Pretorius | Paarl Royals | 11 | 397 |
SA20 2023 was the inaugural (first) season of the SA20 league. The tournament began in January 2023, featuring six franchises, and marked South Africa’s first fully private, franchise-based T20 league. Jos Buttler was the leading run-scorer in the inaugural SA20 2023 season, scoring 378 runs in 10 matches for Paarl Royals. Ryan Rickelton’s 530 runs in 2024 stand out as the highest single-season tally, while the Paarl Royals produced top run-scorers in two of the first three seasons.
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Conclusion: Ryan Rickelton Tops The SA20 All-Time Run-Scorers List!
Ryan Rickelton is the highest run-scorer in SA20 history, with 1,216 runs across seasons since the tournament began in 2023. The SA20’s all-time leading run-scorers underline the league’s competitive depth and batting quality. These batters include openers, middle-order anchors, and finishers, reflecting varied roles.
Highest individual scores range from 75* to 113*, while multiple players have crossed 1,000 career runs. The data highlights consistency, durability, and sustained run-scoring impact in SA20 history.
FAQs
Ryan Rickelton is the highest run-scorer in SA20 history with 1,216 runs since the league began in 2023.
Jos Buttler was the leading run-scorer in SA20 2023, scoring 378 runs for Paarl Royals.
Ryan Rickelton holds the record with 530 runs in SA20 2024, the highest in a single season.
Four players, Ryan Rickelton, Heinrich van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, and Aiden Markram have crossed 1,000 runs.
Paarl Royals have produced multiple season-leading run-scorers, including Jos Buttler and Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
