Another World Cup, another failure for Temba Bavuma and the Proteas.
A week ago, South Africa looked set to challenge India for a top spot in the round-robin stage but a heavy defeat against India brought doubt to many regarding Proteas’ World Cup credentials.
A comprehensive win against Afghanistan saw Bavuma’s men finish second ahead of Australia due to a healthy run rate.
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Thursday’s defeat in Kolkata was expected given Australia’s record but many felt if SA won the toss, and chose to bat, they might set a challenging total for the Aussies.
Fans blame Temba Bavuma for Proteas’ World Cup exit
Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat however, four balls later, he was dismissed for a duck.
After Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen were dismissed in quick succession, many were expecting another batting collapse. David Miller’s hundred saw the Proteas reach 212 but on a good batting pitch, that was never going to be enough.
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Australia eventually won by three wickets despite a late scare.
After the defeat, local cricket fans called for Bavuma to step down as Proteas captain.
“They wanted Bavuma to be the Siya Kolisi of cricket and it back fired. I’m out. It’s India vs Aus for the final. They cooked us,” said @Fifi_Feels on X(formerly Twitter).
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“If anything, I hope this World Cup shows everyone that Temba Bavuma is not Siya Kolisi,” said @Luke_du_Toit
Another World Cup, same old story for the Proteas. Their inability to play under pressure cost them against an Australian team that showed vulnerability in the end.
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