The three-match T20I series between India and South Africa is over and so is another fantastic cricket week. The week that went by witnessed many matches in the shortest format of the game, which proved to be a treat for the cricket fans. After the conclusion of the breathtaking Ashes 2019, the cricket fever shifted to the limited-over games. The ICC World T20 is just one year away and players all around the world are gearing up for the mega-tournament. The matches played in the last week also included many splendid innings and several match-defining bowling spells and we will be focusing on five such performances.

The past week saw the last two T20Is between India and South Africa. India conquered the second clash while the third one was clinched by South Africa. Talking about the tri-series in Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the hosts have qualified for the finals which will be played on September 24. In franchise cricket, Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2019 is on along with Vitality T20 Blast 2019. So, the week gone by saw a lot of cricket matches being played and thus it was a carnival for the cricket fanatics. The thrill of these encounters was enhanced by some valiant team efforts and some great individual achievements. So, let's focus on five of the best performances from the last week.

1. Virat Kohli- 72* Against South Africa in Mohali

The Indian skipper updated many records when he came to bat in the second T20I. Chasing a total of 150 in the second innings, India lost Rohit Sharma early and Kohli came to bat. The modern-day great assessed the condition well and demolished the visitors. The skipper’s brilliant innings made him the highest run-scorer in T20Is and also guided India to a seven-wicket victory.

2. Hamilton Masakadza-71 Against Afghanistan in Chattogram

The Zimbabwe skipper signed off international cricket in style by playing a scintillating innings against Afghanistan. Chasing a total of 156, the right-handed batsman went to his vintage form and smashed the likes of Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan. The effort proved to be fruitful as Zimbabwe won the clash by seven wickets.

3. Shakib Al Hasan-70* Against Afghanistan in Chattogram

After a dry run in the ongoing tri-series, the Bangladesh skipper regained his sheen just before the all-important final. In the last group match against Afghanistan, Bangladesh's top order got rattled while chasing 139 in the second innings. However, Shakib came into bat number three and turned the match into his team's favour. Despite not getting much support from another end, the southpaw scored 70 of 45 balls and guided Bangladesh crossed the line with four wickets in hand.

4. Quinton de Kock-79* Against India in Bengaluru

After a thumping defeat in the 2nd T20I, the proteas made a great comeback in the third and final clash and skipper Quinton de Kock led from the front. On a pitch where Indian batsman struggled to put the bat on the ball, De Kock scored boundaries and sixes at will and notched up a brilliant half-century. The southpaw's knock completely turned the match into South Africa's favour and the visitors won the clash by nine wickets.

5. Kagiso Rabada- 3/39 Against India in Bengaluru

The Proteas pacer made a great comeback in the third T20I after a dismal outing in the second one. In a batting-friendly Bengaluru wicket, Rabada hassled the Indian batsman and took wickets at regular intervals. The hosts were rattled by Rabada's brilliance and managed only 134 in the first innings and later South Africa clinched a comfortable nine-wicket victory.

So, these were some highlight performances from the last week. The cricket fiesta will be continued as many matches are lined up next week as well. In the upcoming day, Sri Lanka's Tour of Pakistan will get underway and India will take on South Africa in whites. These imminent matches might also bring some more such sensational performances, which can treat the cricket fanatics around the world.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2019 10:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).