Temba Bavuma struck a superb century while David Miller hit an unbeaten 58 as South Africa beat England by five wickets in the second ODI to seal the three-match series.
Put into bat, England rode on skipper Jos Buttler’s 94 not out and Harry Brook’s 80 to post a formidable total of 342/7 on the scoreboard. Moeen Ali also contributed with 51 while Sam Curran (28 off 17) hit some meaty blows in the slog overs.
But South Africa, in the run-chase, kept required run rate in control, thanks to skipper Bavuma, who played a brilliant knock of 109 (102) comprising 14 fours and a six. Miller showed great composure right through the innings and ensured Bavuma’s effort doesn’t go in vain. The home team reached the set total in 49.1 overs and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 50-overs series.
When asked about his ton in the post-match presentation, the winning captain Bavuma said: “It was very special.”
He added: “It was very enjoyable. I managed to hit a few out of the middle.”
On the other hand, Buttler lauded both teams’ efforts in the second ODI.
“We didn’t expect the ball to swing as much as it did at the start but to come back and post 340 was a fantastic effort,” said Butler. “It was a brilliant game of cricket and a great chase by South Africa.”
Here’s how Twitter reacted on South Africa’s win:
What a run chase by the Proteas! Set up by a captain's, match winning innings from Temba Bavuma.
689 runs scored today, a good crowd, and quality cricket! #SAvENG
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) January 29, 2023
What a chase! Protea Fire. My heart is full. Well played Temba and team🔥and nice to see Bloem in full flow
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) January 29, 2023
GET IN THERE TEMBA‼️
A century of the highest order! An innings when the team needed a captain's knock! Simply brilliant Temba Bavuma 💯#SAvENG #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/AqR6xsf42A
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) January 29, 2023
This is a MASSIVE win for South Africa in the context of the World Cup Super League, their transition period, Bavuma's captaincy and morale in the game. The highest successful chase in Bloem and their third-highest ever. A series win and points to get to India.#SAvENG #cricket
— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) January 29, 2023
What a Way to answer criticism .
What a hundred from Temba Bavuma with a very good strike Rate♥️👏. #SAvENG #ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/3astolq4qD— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) January 29, 2023
The final moments of an incredible victory HAD to be captured 🔥🇿🇦#SAvENG pic.twitter.com/lNfks0ONLH
— MI Cape Town (@MICapeTown) January 29, 2023
You'd back this England team to defend 342 ninety-nine times out of a hundred. Yet the South Africans have once again shown immense determination and belief to close out a cracking ODI. Temba Bavuma's team have been outstanding and thoroughly deserve the series win 🏆 #SAvENG
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) January 29, 2023
Temba Bavuma's ton guided South Africa to victory!
Scorecard: https://t.co/49pnoqPSky#SAvENG #2ndODI #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/1Bck3zHEbp— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 29, 2023
That is a special knock from Temba Bavuma! 🙌
It's his third ODI 💯in 22 matches – his second as a captain 🏏
UNREAL BATTING!
📺 Stream #SAvENG live: https://t.co/0BMWdeFwIB pic.twitter.com/UDAEWIiT1S
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) January 29, 2023
A Historic Run-Chase 🔥
Captain's knock from Temba Bavuma, along with top class batting from Markram and Miller take 🇿🇦 home 🤩
Our Protea boys claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series 👊#SAvENG pic.twitter.com/xhugWipWaB
— Pretoria Capitals (@PretoriaCapsSA) January 29, 2023