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Cricket World Player the Week - Temba Bavuma

©CWM

Temba Bavuma notched up a match-winning ton (109) in the 2nd ODI against England, helping South Africa chase down a massive target of 343 and take an unassailable 2-0 lead.

After South Africa's embarrassing loss to the Netherlands and their subsequent elimination from the 2022 T20 World Cup, Temba Bavuma's head was on the chopping block. However, there was no acerbic or irresponsible response that came from his end.

Bavuma tried to do his best in whatever opportunity was made available to him. He wasn't picked in the SA20 auctions -- a pretty massive blow for someone currently leading South Africa in white ball cricket.

Bavuma turned out to be one of the rare positives for the visitors during South Africa's whitewash at the hands of Australia on their recent Test tour. He finished as the top scorer for the Proteas with 185 runs at 37, which may not sound much but was still a decent effort against a bowling line-up in its prime.

Upon return to white ball cricket, Bavuma has hit the ground running. After he got a start of 36 in the 1st ODI of the three-match series against England, he notched up a match-winning ton in the 2nd ODI, helping South Africa chase down a massive target of 343 and take an unassailable 2-0 lead.

The captain received the Player of the Match award for his efforts and gave his international career a new lease of life.

Bavuma currently has 875 runs from 22 one day matches at an average of 46.05, with three centuries and two half-centuries to his name.

Measured and in-control ??

Watch captain Temba Bavuma score his third ODI century ??#SAvENG #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/iMNUZK72xR
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) January 30, 2023