Temba Bavuma’s Brilliant Century Powers South Africa to Dominance

Durban, South Africa – South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma showcased a captain’s knock to remember, smashing a scintillating century in the third innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead. Bavuma’s effort, coupled with a stellar century from Tristan Stubbs, propelled South Africa into a commanding position with a lead exceeding 450 runs.

Bavuma’s century made him only the third South African skipper to achieve the feat against Sri Lanka in Test cricket. He joins the ranks of Shaun Pollock (111 in Centurion, 2001) and Hashim Amla (139* in Colombo, 2014), further cementing his place in Proteas history.

Resuming play on Day 3, Bavuma (64*) and Stubbs (70*) had already guided South Africa to a strong position by lunch, extending their lead to 382 runs. Post-lunch, the duo continued their domination.

Stubbs reached his maiden Test century off 183 balls in the 86th over, while Bavuma followed soon after, bringing up his hundred in the 89th over. Their 200-plus stand for the fourth wicket thoroughly dismantled Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and ensured South Africa’s unassailable lead.

Bavuma, who made a gritty 70 in the first innings upon his return from injury, once again proved his mettle. His first-innings knock was the lone highlight for South Africa as they were bowled out for 191. The second innings century marked Bavuma’s third career Test ton, all of which have come on home soil.

The century further solidified Bavuma’s impressive Test credentials. With over 3,250 runs at an average of 36-plus, the South African skipper has also surpassed 1,800 runs in home Tests, where he averages over 42. Against Sri Lanka, this was his maiden hundred, adding to his tally of three fifties against the island nation.

With a massive lead and a demoralized Sri Lankan side, South Africa looks poised for a comfortable win. Bavuma’s leadership and Stubbs’ resilience have laid the foundation for a dominant start to the series.

As the match enters its final phase, Sri Lanka faces an uphill battle to salvage pride, while South Africa has all but secured a 1-0 lead.