Bavuma gives the Proteas ‘voema’ in Benoni
A record One Day International (ODI) opening partnership at Sahara Park Willowmoore of 159 runs in 24 overs, between Quinton de Kock and pint-sized ODI debutant Temba Bavuma, helped the Proteas to a 206-run thrashing of Ireland on Sunday, September 25.
Despite the absence of skipper AB de Villiers (given extended time off to rest his injured left elbow) Benoni’s cricket-loving public came out in large numbers, 7 400 spectators, to witness the mauling of the highest ranked International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Associate team in the once off 50-over match.
WATCH: South Africans get their “gees” levels up at Sahara Park Willowmoore:
It was the national cricket team’s first ODI in Benoni since victory over Pakistan on Sunday, March 23, 2013 secured a 3-2 ODI series win.
Sahara Park Willowmoore has been a happy hunting for the Proteas in terms of victories.
The South African team has won eight of the nine ODIs that they have played in Benoni, with the only defeat coming against Sri Lanka back in December 2002.
While some spectators jokingly conjured comments about shamrocks and leprechauns it was the home team’s diminutive Bavuma (one of three debutants in the side) who found his pot of gold.
Having only been selected in the squad for this match Bavuma put his hand up for future selection with a momentous 113 runs off 123 deliveries while his partner at the top of the order De Kock (who will be crucial in the five-match ODI series versus Australia) smashed his way to 82 runs off 66 balls before being bowled by Kevin O’Brien.
Bavuma is only the second South Africa, after Colin Ingram, to score an ODI century on debut.
It could have been a different story for the Irish had they not dropped De Kock (twice) and Bavuma in the early overs.
An 87-run fifth wicket stand in 40 balls from JP Duminy (52 not out) and Farhaan Behardien (50 not out) added to Ireland’s misery before they were skittled out with the ball to lose by more than 200 runs.
Spinner Duminy achieved career-best bowling figures of 4/16 in 4.5 overs while fellow spinner Aaron Phangiso and left-arm seamer Wayne Parnell bagged a brace of wickets each.
Kagiso Rabada and debutant Dwaine Pretorius also claimed a stick apiece.
The Irish will be hoping to put in a better performance at the same venue against Australia tomorrow (Tuesday, September 27).
The match starts at 10am and tickets can be purchased at www.ticketpros.co.za or at the gate on the day.
CLICK HERE for a GALLERY of photographs from the match.
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