Order of Ikhamanga bestowed on Proteas’s Amla
THE only South African to score a Test triple century, Hashim Amla was yesterday awarded the Order of Ikhamanga for his contribution to sport.
In the modern era, bowlers Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini have also won the award, but Amla is the first batsman honoured. The top-order batsman has exemplary figures across all formats, but it is his exploits in the Test arena for which he is most noted.
Amla has accumulated 8 982 runs at an average of 48.03,scoring 28 centuries and 39 half-centuries. His stand-out achievement in the five-day format was his 311 not out against England in 2012.
Coincidentally, Amla hit a half-century for Hampshire in the English county championship at the weekend against Surrey at The Oval – the same ground at which he scored his triple century.
In one-day internationals, the elegant stroke-maker has compiled 26 centuries and 35 fifties, with a total of 7 535 runs (average 50.23). In 43 T20 internationals, he has passed the 50-mark eight times, scoring 1 277 runs (average 20.51).
Amla, 35, has captained the Proteas in all three formats of the game. He was named as a silver award recipient by the Chancellor of National Orders, Dr Cassius Lubisi. “He has brought pride to our country with his many batting firsts in the international cricket arena and remains one of the leading batsmen of our time,” said Lubisi.
The prize is issued by the President for achievements in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
“Grateful to the most high for the accol- ade. Also blessed to have my parents, family, friends and teachers along the way to help me navigate through life and sport,” Amla posted on social media yesterday.
Cape Town-born Basil D’Oliveira received the inaugural award in 2003.