Temba Bavuma full of runs and smiles as Proteas complete 3-0 clean sweep against Ireland

Proteas’ limited overs skipper Temba Bavuma scored an impressive 72 as they beat Ireland by 49 runs on Saturday to complete a 3-0 series win

Proteas’ limited overs skipper Temba Bavuma scored an impressive 72 as they beat Ireland by 49 runs on Saturday to complete a 3-0 series win. Photo: @cricketireland/Twitter

Published Jul 24, 2021

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CAPE TOWN – Proteas T20I captain Temba Bavuma will leave Ireland on Saturday evening full of smiles.

Not only did his team complete their tour on a high note by thrashing Ireland by 49 runs to complete a 3-0 clean sweep of the T20I series, but the skipper also found some much-needed form with his maiden T20I half-century.

Bavuma made 72 and fellow opener Reeza Hendricks 69 with the Highveld Lions duo combining for an excellent 127-run opening stand that set the Proteas on the path to 189/2. The duo started sedately before accelerating later on with Bavuma facing 51 balls (6x4, 26) and Hendricks 48 deliveries (7x4, 1x6).

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"It was nice to hit the ball in the middle, and contribute for the team. Reeza and I play for the Lions. We know each other's strengths, I am sure he would have enjoyed it as well. We tried to take our time, and lay that foundation," Bavuma said.

David Miller, having also rediscovered his scoring touch in the previous game, added the finishing touches to the Proteas’ innings with an entertaining cameo that yielded an undefeated 36 of just 17 balls.

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Ireland have had no answer to South Africa’s spin arsenal throughout this T20I series and the trend continued on Saturday. Even though the Proteas rested the World’s No 1 T20 bowler Tabraiz Shamsi – one of five changes to the re-jigged team – the script remained the same.

Only this time it was George Linde, who was back in the side after missing the second T20I, leading the way with the excellent figures of 2/21. Kevin O’Brien and Ireland’s main hope, their captain Andy Balbirnie, were the left-arm spinner’s victims.

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All-rounder Wiaan Mulder (2/10) struck with his first ball to remove Lorcan Tucker before following it up with the dismissal of Harry Tector as South Africa wore down Ireland’s middle order. Lizaad Williams (2/30) also chipped in with a couple of wickets, while there was a solitary scalp for Andile Phehlukwayo before two shambolic run outs put an end to Ireland’s misery.

@ZaahierAdams

IOL Sport

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