While South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has “shown improvement overnight” from the hamstring strain, he is doubtful the Cricket World Cup semifinal on Wednesday. Bavuma picked up the injury in the last group stage match against Afghanistan. Temba Bavuma, who had earlier missed two games in the league stage due to illness, could be in doubt for the semi-final against Australia. SA vs AUS semifinal will be played in Kolkata on November 16.
“Proteas captain Temba Bavuma sustained a right hamstring strain during the match against Afghanistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday night,” CSA told to ESPN Cricinfo.
“He was assessed by the Proteas medical team today and showed an improvement overnight. He will continue to be monitored and managed by the medical team.”
Temba Bavuma limps off vs Afghanistan
“Obviously, my leg is sore – don’t know to what extent – but it’s going to have to be fine (for the semi-final),” Bavuma said after Proteas’ 7th win of the tournament. The right-handed batter stated that he had the option of coming off the ground but did not do so as he wanted to stay with the team. “Obviously I had that option of coming off, but I think as much as it was our last group-stage game, probably it didn’t have a big bearing in terms of the play-off.
If Bavuma is unavailable to play the semi-final, most likely against Australia, then Aiden Markram will captain South Africa. As stated above, Reeza Hendricks is expected to replace Bavuma at top of the order.
South Africa have been excellent in the tournament so far. The Proteas will look to continue their winning momentum against the mighty Australia and get one step closer to the prized World Cup trophy. As stated above, South Africa will take on the Men in Yellow in the semi-final match of the World Cup to be played at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
