Was in the toilet,’ Bavuma on nerve-wracking chase
Centurion Test Drama: Bavuma Admits to Nerve-Wracking Toilet Retreat During Proteas’ Epic Win
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma revealed a personal and emotional moment during his team’s nail-biting two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test at Centurion.
The Proteas were staring down the barrel at 99/8 while chasing a modest target of 148 on a tough pitch. But Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen came to the rescue, forging an unbeaten 51-run partnership that secured a thrilling win and sealed South Africa’s spot in the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s next year.
Bavuma, who contributed a solid 40 before falling, confessed during the post-match presentation that the pressure got the better of him during the tense moments. “I was sulking in the toilet,” he admitted with a smile. “It was quite emotional. I only came out when there were 15 runs left. Aiden (Markram) kept us going initially, and we still believed, even when things looked dire.”
The match saw Pakistan’s Mohammed Abbas wreak havoc, picking up an exceptional 6/54 to push South Africa to the brink. But it was Rabada’s fearless 31 not out off 26 balls that swung the game back in the Proteas’ favor, aided by Jansen’s composure at the other end.
“This win means a lot—not just to me but to the entire team and coaching staff,” Bavuma said, emphasizing its importance.
South Africa now leads the ICC World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 66.67%, cementing their status as a top contender in the ongoing cycle.
The second and final Test of the series is set for Cape Town from January 3-7, 2025.
