On Day 2 of the first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Kingsmead in Durban, South African skipper and top-order batter Temba Bavuma lit up the stadium with an extraordinary six off Sri Lanka’s right-arm medium-fast bowler Lahiru Kumara.
Temba Bavuma’s incredible off-the-air six
The shot, which came in the 42nd over of South Africa’s first innings, was a display of both skill and instinct. Anticipating a short-pitched delivery, Bavuma moved outside the leg stump, leaped off the ground with both feet and executed a breathtaking uppercut that sailed over the third-man boundary. The shot, though unconventional, was a photographer’s dream and a testament to Bavuma’s ability to handle the extra bounce expertly.
Here is the video:
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒍𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒂𝒗𝒖𝒎𝒂 🏏
Catch the 1st #SAvSL Test, LIVE on #JioCinema & #Sports18 🙌 #JioCinemaSports #TembaBavuma pic.twitter.com/8RTzs4RttZ
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 28, 2024
Bavuma’s knock was the cornerstone of South Africa’s total. He showcased remarkable resilience and flair, scoring 70 off 117 balls, including nine fours and the aforementioned six. His efforts provided a semblance of stability amidst a challenging batting environment. However, his fine knock came to an end in the 46th over, when he attempted to loft a delivery from Asitha Fernando. The ball struck high on the bat and swirled in the air before Kumara at mid-on executed an excellent over-the-shoulder catch.
Also WATCH: Lahiru Kumara shatters David Bedingham’s stumps with a jaffa on Day 1 of the first SA vs SL Test
South Africa batters struggle as Sri Lankan bowlers shine
Despite Bavuma’s valiant efforts, South Africa’s batting lineup struggled to build substantial partnerships. No other batter managed to make a significant contribution, and the team was bowled out for 191 in the first session of Day 2.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Fernando and Kumara, delivered a stellar performance. Fernando claimed three crucial wickets for 44 runs at an impressive economy rate of 3.00. Kumara was equally effective, also taking three wickets in his 12-over spell, maintaining a stranglehold on the South African batters.
Also WATCH: Asitha Fernando dismisses Aiden Markram with a beauty on Day 1 of 1st Test | SA vs SL
