Bavuma records highest score for SA skipper in CT semi-final
What's the story
Skipper Temba Bavuma gave South Africa a solid start in their run-chase of 363 against New Zealand in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore. Bavuma led from the front with a 56-run knock, adding 105 runs with Rassie van der Dussen for the second wicket. Bavuma featured in only his second match of the ongoing tournament, having missed out with illness.
Knock
Bavuma shows his resilience
Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton came out with a positive intent. However, Matt Henry dismissed the latter in the fifth over. Bavuma then led SA's recovery along with van der Dussen. While the former rotated the strike, van der Dussen played his strokes. Bavuma fell to his NZ counterpart Mitchell Santner in the 23rd over. He smashed a 71-ball 56 (4 fours and 1 six).
Information
Bavuma enters record books
As mentioned, Bavuma recorded the highest score by a Proteas skipper in the Champions Trophy semi-final. The only other instance of SA reaching the CT semi-final came in 1998 when they won the tournament.
Career
A look at his ODI career
As mentioned, Bavuma returned to play for the Proteas after a gap. He played SA's Champions Trophy opener, where his fifty powered them to victory against Afghanistan. In a career spanning nearly nine years, Bavuma has smashed seven half-centuries and five tons in the format. In 48 ODIs, he has racked up 1,847 runs at an average of 43.97.