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Temba Bavuma’s career has been marked by groundbreaking milestones in South African cricket. He etched his name in history as the first black African batsman to earn a spot in South Africa’s Test squad. Remarkably, he is among the select few captains to endure a duck on their leadership debut, a testament to the challenges he faced early on.
Bavuma’s achievements extend further as the sole black African batter to secure a Test century for South Africa. He also created history by becoming the nation’s first full-time black captain. Despite relentless scrutiny, Bavuma has steadfastly guided the team through tumultuous periods, showcasing his leadership mettle.
Notably, Bavuma faced challenges in the South Africa T20 league, going unwanted in the initial auction despite captaining the T20 side. However, he later found a home with the eventual champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, as a replacement.
Despite a stellar ODI record, Bavuma’s appearances in the format have been limited since his debut in 2016. As the South African captain who opens the batting alongside Quinton de Kock, Bavuma excels in the role of a dependable sheet anchor, particularly in Indian conditions.
Innings to remember: A display of power hitting in 2023 ODI clash
One of his standout one-day memories includes a brilliant 144 against West Indies in East London in 2023. Though his century came in a losing effort, Bavuma’s 118-ball innings, featuring 11 fours and seven sixes, showcased his remarkable ability to clear the ropes.
Interesting trivia: A cherished moment in Bavuma’s career was receiving a message from cricket legend Brian Lara on his Test captaincy debut, an experience he described as surreal and pinch-worthy.