South Africa captain Temba Bavuma became the first to score a half-century in the IND vs SA 1st Test. On a difficult pitch, Bavuma showcased grit and resilience to notch up the highest score of the match. What once looked like a regulation victory for India, Bavuma has managed to turn it around for the visitors.
Temba Bavuma stood tall to keep South Africa in the hunt at Eden Gardens. The Proteas skipper scored a vital half-century to guide the visitors past the 150-run mark on Day 3 of the IND vs SA 1st Test. With the surface difficult to bat on, Bavuma's innings was one of class, with the Eden Gardens crowd recognizing his effort with a standing ovation.
Bavuma did well to hold up his end as South Africa took control of the 1st Test. He walked into bat with the score at 25/2 and remained unbeaten even as wickets fell in clusters at the other end. Bavuma was not out on 29 at Stumps on Day 2, but batted alongside Corbin Bosch to take the visitors lead past 100. South Africa stretched the advantage past 100 thanks to Bavuma’s assured effrt and No 9 Corbin Bosch’s brisk 25 off 37 balls. Their 44-run eighth-wicket stand frustrated India in the opening hour, scoring at more than three runs an over.
Bavuma's fifty was the first of the Test. Given the conditions, the knock was invaluable and furthermore impressive that he stayed unbeaten. KL Rahul's 39 in the first innings is the next best. Aiden Markram was the only other batter to score more than 30.
Bavuma's runs have come on an Eden Gardens surface has come under criticism given the events of the IND vs SA 1st Test. One of the great venues in Indian cricket, the Kolkata surface offered no chance of run scoring with bowlers making merry. There was uneven pace and bounce, while spinners could turn the ball square from Day 2.
His effort meant that India now need a record chase to win the game. Only once has a target above 100 been chased in Kolkata before. That win also came against South Africa in 2008. India who are without skills will have to pull off a Bavuma like effort to bag victory.
