Future prospects

Interest in cricket in Africa is on the rise. Currently, the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) has 23 associate members and expects to continue to grow its membership. The ACA along with the ICC have instituted many development programs to introduce the game to more areas on the continent. Later this year, the African Premier league will be launched and televised across the continent.

The World Cup, however, has highlighted the problems the game faces in Africa, with South Africa being the only nation that can consistently compete at the very highest level. Another World Cup beckons in 2015, but unfortunately with Kenya missing out, Africa is set to only have two representatives: South Africa and Zimbabwe. Should Zimbabwe continue to develop their young and talented squad, and South Africa fix their fragility under pressure, there may be more positive news to report in four years' time.

African Cricket's MVPs

 >Name: AB de Villiers

>Age: 27

>Team: South Africa

World Cup 2011 record

>Innings: 5>100's: 2

>50's: 1

>Batting average: 108.23

AB de Villiers started playing cricket at a very young age. A natural sportsman, he excelled in many sports but settled on a career in cricket. He made his international debut at the age of 20 in 2004 and has gone on to become one of the best batsmen worldwide. He is known for his attractive stroke play and ability to score runs quickly. An invaluable member of South Africa's middle order, he was one of the few players in the team to enhance his reputation during this year's World Cup.

>Name: Craig Richard Ervine

>Age: 25

>Team: Zimbabwe

World Cup 2011 record

>Innings: 6

>100's: 0

>50's: 3

>Batting average: 85.87

Hailing from a cricketing family, Craig Ervine's introduction to the sport came early on in life. A promising batsman and bowler in high school, it was only a matter of time before he made it at the international level. He made his debut for Zimbabwe in One Day Internationals in 2010. In just under 12 months he has cemented his position in the teams middle order. His batting performance at the World Cup means that he will be one of the most important players for his team as they make their return to Test cricket later this year.

>Name: Nehemiah Odhiambo Ngoche

>Age: 27

>Team: Kenya

World Cup 2011 record

>Innings: 6

>Overs: 43

>Wickets: 6

>Bowling average: 42.66

Ngoche also comes from a cricketing family. He was one of three Ngoche brothers who played at the World Cup. Ngoche made his international debut against Zimbabwe in 2006. Playing for a team that really struggled during the tournament, Nemi, as he is called by his teammates, provided the team with its few moments to cheer. His efforts with ball in hand were tireless.