South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hit a century to lead his team to a
series-clinching five-wicket win in the second one-day international
against England at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday. Bavuma
hit 109 as South Africa chased down an England total of 342 for seven,
winning with five balls to spare. Bavuma battled cramps shortly before
reaching his hundred. With his score on 96 there was a lengthy break while
he received treatment. He reacted in emotional fashion when he hit the next
ball from Adil Rashid through the covers for four.He thumped his chest and
pointed to his name on the back of his shirt. He was the only member of the
South African team not signed up for the country’s new Twenty20 league and
his place in the national white-ball teams had been questioned because of a
perceived inability to score at the rapid rate required in modern limited
overs cricket.But he was in outstanding form on Sunday as he spearheaded
South Africa’s third-highest successful run chase, facing only 102 balls
and hitting 14 fours and a six.”It was very special,” said Bavuma. “It was
very enjoyable. I managed to hit a few out of the middle.”Bavuma said it
was a confidence-boosting performance from his team, who have yet to
qualify automatically for the World Cup later this year. “We knew we had to
come out and play. We played the conditions, which were good for batting.”
series-clinching five-wicket win in the second one-day international
against England at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday. Bavuma
hit 109 as South Africa chased down an England total of 342 for seven,
winning with five balls to spare. Bavuma battled cramps shortly before
reaching his hundred. With his score on 96 there was a lengthy break while
he received treatment. He reacted in emotional fashion when he hit the next
ball from Adil Rashid through the covers for four.He thumped his chest and
pointed to his name on the back of his shirt. He was the only member of the
South African team not signed up for the country’s new Twenty20 league and
his place in the national white-ball teams had been questioned because of a
perceived inability to score at the rapid rate required in modern limited
overs cricket.But he was in outstanding form on Sunday as he spearheaded
South Africa’s third-highest successful run chase, facing only 102 balls
and hitting 14 fours and a six.”It was very special,” said Bavuma. “It was
very enjoyable. I managed to hit a few out of the middle.”Bavuma said it
was a confidence-boosting performance from his team, who have yet to
qualify automatically for the World Cup later this year. “We knew we had to
come out and play. We played the conditions, which were good for batting.”
