Anurag Kumar
Australia won the first one-day international at the Mangaung Oval on Thursday thanks to a match-winning innings from concussion replacement Marnus Labuschagne. He surpassed an unblemished century by South African captain Temba Bavuma.
Bavuma’s unblemished 114 runs contributed to South Africa’s total of 222 runs. Australia, batting with extreme aggression, collapsed to 113 for seven in the seventeenth over, and this appeared to be more than sufficient.
But Labuschagne, who batted at number eight after Cameron Green was replaced, brought order back to the Australian innings with an unbeaten 80-run performance.
He contributed 112 to an unbeaten eighth-wicket partnership with Ashton Agar, who scored 48 not out. Green was ruled out after the second ball he encountered from Kagiso Rabada struck the left earpiece of his helmet before he scored.
Labuschagne, the man of the match, stated at the post-match presentation that concussions are associated with some strange occurrences. His Test career was ignited when he replaced Steve Smith during a Test at Lord’s in 2019.
Labuschagne was added to Australia’s World Cup selection in South Africa only after Steve Smith withdrew due to a wrist injury. He reported returning to work shortly after the conclusion of the Ashes series in England this year.
“I knew I needed to improve my one-day cricket game,” he stated. Bavuma batted throughout the entire South African innings, while his teammates disintegrated in the face of accurate bowling on a slow, dry, uneven pitch.
Bavuma was dismissed on two when Agar stopped Sean Abbott’s diving chance at backward point.
He survived again on 88, with the last man, Lungi Ngidi, at the crease, when he top-edged a slog against leg-spinner Adam Zampa and wicketkeeper Alex Carey missed an easy chance. Two overs later, Bavuma struck Zampa for six and four to reach his fifth international one-day century.
ALSO READ : After India’s World Cup snub, Shikhar Dhawan’s ‘go all out’ tweet goes viral.
He ended with 14 fours and a six off 142 balls despite struggling with cramp towards the end of the innings. From the squad balcony, he observed Australia’s innings.Bavuma stated, “We were not at our best with the ball.” “Marnus capitalized on early opportunities and stabilized the innings.”
