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An aggressive right-handed middle-order batter, Khayelihle Zondo is a South African cricketer who started playing the game from a very young age. He had an early start through one of South Africa’s renowned junior programs- Bakers Mini Cricket. Zono sharpened his batting skills when he was a part of the Kwa-Zulu Natal’s age-group cricket team. He played for their U-15, U-17 and U-19 teams and made a name for himself. Eventually, he was drafted in the Dolphins squad and since his debut in 2008 has been a vital member of their side. Zondo had a breakout 2013-14 domestic season for the Dolphins. He was their star batter and amassed 541 runs in first-class cricket, at an average of 38.64, with two centuries under his belt. He was picked for South Africa’s A tour of India in 2015 and was the highest run-getter in the series, with 154 runs, at an average of 38.50. Three years later, Zondo finally earned his maiden South African ODI cap against the touring Indian side. The dashing batter made his debut in the second ODI of the series and registered 25 runs to his name. He was ignored for the next three years and eventually was selected in the Proteas ODI squad for their series against the Netherlands in November 2021. (As of November 2021)
