South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hit a century to guide his side to a five-wicket win against England in the second one-day international at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday. Bavuma’s 109 helped South Africa chase down England’s 342 for seven with five balls to spare. Bavuma was suffering from cramps shortly before completing his century. His score of 96 was accompanied by a long break during treatment. He reacted in emotional fashion when he hit the next ball from Adil Rashid through the covers for four.
He patted his chest and showed his name on the back of his shirt. He was the only member of the South African team not to sign up for the country’s new Twenty20 league and was denied a place in the national white-ball teams due to a perceived inability to score at the rapid pace required in modern limited-overs cricket. The question was raised.
But he was in fine form on Sunday, facing just 102 balls and hitting 14 fours and a six, leading South Africa’s third-highest successful run chase.
“It was very special,” Bavuma said. “It was very enjoyable. I managed to hit something through the middle.”
Bavuma said it was a confidence-boosting performance from his team, which is yet to automatically qualify for the World Cup later this year. “We knew we had to come out and play. We played in conditions which were good for batting.”
Bavuma sent England into bat, correctly reasoning that the pitch could have early life. England struggled initially, losing both openers inside the first seven overs, but prospered as batting conditions eased.
Harry Brook, playing his second ODI after being dismissed for a duck in the first match on Friday, scored 80 off 75 balls. Captain Jose Butler scored an unbeaten 94 off 82 balls.
Moeen Ali was also in good form for England, scoring 51 off 45 balls and sharing a 106-run fifth-wicket partnership with Butler.
There was a brief lull after Ali’s dismissal but England scored 60 runs in the last four overs, including Sam Curran’s 28 off three sixes.
Butler said, “We didn’t expect the ball to swing that much in the beginning but to come back after 340 was a great effort.” “It was a great game of cricket and a great chase by South Africa.”
Bavuma and Quinton de Kock got off to a brisk start, adding 77 runs in 12 overs for the first wicket. All South African batsmen contributed and the hosts were always at or close to the required rate. David Miller scored an unbeaten 58 off 37 balls and ended the match with a six off Chris Woakes.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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