Temba Bavuma Joins Babar Azam, MS Dhoni In Elite ODI List With Century vs Australia

Temba Bavuma hits 6th ODI century. [Source - AFP]

Temba Bavuma produced a brilliant century in the second ODI between South Africa and Australia in Johannesburg on Sunday. The Proteas skipper looked assured throughout his innings, anchoring the hosts with a composed batting display.

Bavuma’s century marked another significant milestone in his career, bringing him closer to Virat Kohli in an elite ODI list. His composed knock against Australia underlined his consistency while strengthening his position among the leading ODI performers.

Temba Bavuma Century Rescues South Africa After Early Wickets

South Africa were asked to bat first in the 2nd ODI and suffered a nightmare start as Aiden Markram was dismissed off the very first ball. Quinton de Kock then fell inside the powerplay, leaving Temba Bavuma to join Matthew Breetzke and steady the innings.

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Breetzke was eventually dismissed after a 57-run partnership, but Bavuma found another reliable partner in David Miller. The duo took the attack to Australia, with Miller going after the bowlers while Bavuma moved towards his century at the other end.

Bavuma eventually departed for a brilliant 103, comprising 10 fours and two sixes. His knock gave South Africa the perfect platform to push on during the final overs, while also putting them in a strong position in SA vs AUS 2nd ODI.

Temba Bavuma Has Second-Most ODI Centuries Against Australia As Captain

Temba Bavuma’s century in SA vs AUS 2nd ODI was his fifth ODI hundred as South Africa captain. More importantly, it was his second century as captain against Australia, putting him just one century away from joining Virat Kohli at the top of the list.

Most ODI Centuries vs Australia as a Captain

The list of most ODI centuries against Australia as captain is led by Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, who have both registered three hundreds. Temba Bavuma currently follows them with two centuries to his name.

Bavuma shares the second spot with Babar Azam, MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming, who have also scored two ODI centuries against Australia as captains. His latest hundred has moved him closer to the top.

Temba Bavuma Equals Faf du Plessis In South Africa’s ODI Captaincy Century List

Temba Bavuma’s century has now drawn him level with former Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis for the third-most ODI hundreds as South Africa captain. 

He has matched du Plessis’ record of five ODI centuries as captain, with AB de Villiers leading the list with 13 and Graeme Smith following with eight.

Most ODI Centuries as South Africa Captain

Bavuma’s latest hundred came under pressure, with South Africa reduced to 36 for 2 early in their innings. His century helped the hosts recover strongly and gave them a solid platform against Australia.

South Africa entered the second ODI with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Bavuma’s century has strengthened their position as they look to win the second match and seal the series against Australia.

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