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South Africa produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St Georges Park, Gqeberha, on Thursday, levelling the three-match series 1-1.
South Africa captain and Player of the Match Temba Bavuma admitted that the uncertain weather conditions created some confusion in the dressing room and forced the team to adjust their plans. However, he expressed delight at getting back on the field, praising the opposition for making his side work hard for the six wickets they secured and noting the teams satisfaction with the outcome. The weather also wanted to play a part in the day. We were a little bit scrambling there in the change room, not too sure about the weather. But, yeah, excited as soon as we got on. They made us work for those wickets, those six wickets. And, obviously, everyone's happy in the change room, Bavuma said after the match. Captain Temba Bavuma led the hosts recovery with a magnificent 179, while Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer provided crucial support to lift South Africa to 425/9 declared after they had slipped to 110/6. Bavumas 334-ball knock, featuring 18 fours and a six, anchored the innings. Jansen contributed a fluent 85 off 100 deliveries, including nine fours and three sixes, while Harmer made 82 off 157 balls to help South Africa establish a commanding first-innings lead. Bavuma described his career-best 179 as one of the finest achievements of his career, taking particular pride in scoring heavily on a challenging batting surface, especially against the new ball. He said the innings put South Africa in a competitive position and boosted his confidence, while stressing that his focus remains on the series decider. Bavuma added that he would fully reflect on the milestone once the teams job is complete. I mean, like I said, definitely there at the top as one of my best. I think we saw throughout the days that batting was quite difficult, especially against the new ball. So I think to be able to perform like that, to be able to get the team in a very competitive position, I take a lot of pride in that. But also to make it a play, having the chance to win the series. So, yeah, I can speak to it. A lot of confidence I'll take from it. I think a part of me, a big part of me, is still in the moment. We still have a job at hand, with another match still to go. So, you know, once that is done, I'll kind of allow myself to soak in all of that, he added. (ANI)
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