In yet another honest engagement with the media, Temba Bavuma emphasized that his knock during the second ODI was a reminder to everyone that he deserves to play and lead the Proteas. |✍️ Ongama Gcwabe

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Bloemfontein, Proteas limited overs captain put on a batting masterclass which saw him bring up a third career century in the fifty-over format, a fourth across all formats at international level.

Rassie van der Dussen at the non-striker’s end witnessed it firsthand and celebrated with Bavuma just like he did in Paarl in January of 2022 when Bavuma scored a hundred against India.

A pumped-up Bavuma celebrated in style when he felt the ball come off the middle of his bat for four in the cover boundary region off the bowling of offspinner Moeen Ali. It was perhaps uncharacteristic of the humble Bavuma that we all know, but also understandable considering all the challenges he has faced since touring India last year.

“It was quite emotional to get to that moment. It was just a reminder to myself, a reminder to everyone that I am still here, and I still deserve to be where I am. It’s not something that was planned, it happened subconsciously,” Bavuma said of his celebration.

Coming back from an injury that was sustained during the tour to Sri Lanka, Bavuma was tasked to lead the Proteas in India in a five-match T20I series. A series of low scores in India subjected him to criticism and abuse from the public who were calling for his head.

“It has been a crazy last couple of months. Emotionally it can be draining, it can be taxing. As much as you try to block out everything that’s out there, it does find its way to get to you. I guess it’s part of the journey, a part of where I am at the moment,” said Bavuma.

Bavuma’s century along with David Miller’s 20th half-century helped South Africa chase down a target of 343 runs, which is South Africa’s third-highest successful run-chase in ODI cricket.

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The Proteas are 2-0l up in the series with one more match remaining.

The action now moves to Kimberly where the Proteas will be looking to whitewash England and bring about some decency in what has been a dismal campaign in the ICC ODI Super League.