South Africa’s cricketing future looks brighter than ever, as 23-year-old Jordan Hermann produced a sensational unbeaten 186 off just 153 balls in the third unofficial One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand A in Pretoria on Wednesday, September 3.
The left-handed batter was in sublime form, hammering 26 fours and three sixes to guide South Africa A to a formidable 348/5 in their 50 overs. This career-best performance not only turned heads but is also expected to push Hermann closer to a potential senior ODI debut.
A Knock to Remember: Hermann Makes History
Hermann’s 186* is now the second-highest score ever by a South Africa A player in List A cricket, just behind David Bedingham’s 188*. Overall, it ranks sixth among the highest List A scores by any South African player:
- Chad Bowes – 205
- Mitchell Van Buuren – 200
- Garnett Tarr – 192*
- Gary Kirsten – 188* (ODI)
- David Bedingham – 188*
- Jordan Hermann – 186*
This knock is bound to grab the attention of national selectors, especially given his consistent performances in domestic and franchise cricket. Over three seasons with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC), Hermann has scored 666 runs in 29 innings, including three half-centuries and a century.
Cricketing Bloodline: Rubin and Jordan Hermann Impressing in Tandem
Interestingly, Jordan isn’t the only Hermann making waves. His brother, Rubin Hermann, recently debuted in T20 Internationals for South Africa during the tri-series featuring Zimbabwe and New Zealand. Rubin made an instant impact, scoring 130 runs in five games at a strike rate of 132.65.
Rubin was also in top form in the same unofficial ODI series against New Zealand A, scoring an unbeaten 158 and 109 in the first two matches. Meanwhile, Jordan added a 101* in the second game before delivering his epic 186* in the third.
With both brothers displaying top form and consistency, the dream of seeing them both don the green and gold together for the senior Proteas team is no longer far-fetched.
As South Africa continues to invest in youth talent, the emergence of players like Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Ryan Rickelton, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius bodes well for the team’s future. If Jordan keeps up his red-hot form, an international debut could be just around the corner.
