South Africa have been on a roll in the ODI format in recent times. The Proteas defeated England in the final match of the three-game ODI series by 5 runs in a thriller of a match.
This was their second straight win in the series, and they have thus won the series overall with a match to go. While it was Matthew Breetzke who starred with the bat and Nandre Burger who stole the show with the ball, it was captain Temba Bavuma who managed to achieve a massive feat that has never been achieved by any South African in history.
South Africa came into the England series on the back of a solid 2-1 series win against Australia in Australia. This was their second consecutive ODI series win against the reigning World Champions in the 50-over format, and on both occasions, it was Temba Bavuma who was the captain of the side. Hence, after the England series win, Bavuma became the first captain in history to guide South Africa to ODI series wins in both England and Australia.
In fact, Temba Bavuma is the first South Africa captain after 27 years to lead South Africa to an ODI Series win in England. The first South African captain to win an ODI series in England was Hansie Cronje back in 1998.
Matthew Breetzke’s Record-Breaking Knock Guides South Africa To Close Win
In the second ODI between South Africa and England, it was the hosts who won the toss and elected to bowl first. However, the South Africans smashed the Aussie bowlers all round the park, especially Matthew Breetzke, who hit 85 runs from 77 balls. Tristan Stubbs also smashed a half-century. Deald Brevis also smashed a quickfire 42-run knock from 20 balls. They put on a score of 330/8.
In reply England also were looking on track with half-centuries from Joe Root, Jacob Bethell and Jos Buttler. However, they could only manage 235/9, with Nandre Burger taking 3 wickets.