Following the Proteas’ elimination from the T20 World Cup, former Australian player Tom Moody referred to South Africa captain Temba Bavuma as the “elephant in the room.” After the Proteas’ startling loss to the Netherlands, Moody said that the team has to reconsider its choice to put Bavuma at the top of the order.
“Without a doubt. That’s [Bavuma’s form] the elephant in the room. There are better-form players for this format sitting on the bench that should be playing on that side. That will be a discussion that has to be a discussion in South Africa’s review because you cannot afford to carry key personnel. Particularly at the top of the order. That is the critical point,” said Moody. In 33 T20 Internationals, Bavuma has scored 635 runs at a strike rate of 116.08 and an average of 22.67. Prior to this World Cup, his performance had been questioned. At a strike rate of 112.90, he only managed to score 70 runs in five innings. Bavuma collected 20 run-a-ball points in the key encounter between South Africa and the Netherlands.
Moody then made a comparison between Bavuma’s situation and that of Aaron Finch and Australia. “They [Australia] had a similar issue. Once you have one wheel that’s not spinning like it should be spinning, it affects the direction you all go as a unit. That’s what was happening with South Africa. The rest were sort of covering up for a clear deficiency up top. We totally respect their situation and what they’re achieving and you have to admire everything that’s happening. But there’s another way you can make up to be more effective with what’s happening at the top of the order,” added the former Aussie.
After defeating South Africa in their most recent Super-12 match, the Netherlands pulled off a stunning shock in the ongoing T20 World Cup at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday, securing India’s spot in the semifinals. South Africa asked the Netherlands to bat first, and they scored 158/4 in 20 overs. Max ODowd (29) and Stephan Myburgh (37) scored 58 runs together as openers for the team. For the Netherlands, Colin Ackermann led all scorers with 41* off 26 balls. The Proteas’ preferred bowler was the spinner Keshav Maharaj (2/27). Aiden Markram and Anrich Nortje both secured a wicket.
The South African batting order was in for a major shock from the Dutch as they attempted to chase down 159. From the beginning of the powerplay, the Netherlands’ bowlers controlled the action. Quinton de Kock, a wicketkeeper-batsman, Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, and David Miller were all big names who struggled with the bat, scoring just 13 and 17 respectively. Heinrich Klassen did score 21 runs, but the squad still came 13 runs short, so even that was insufficient. SA’s final score after 20 overs was 145/8. The best bowler for the Dutch was pacer Brandon Glover, who took 3/9 in two overs. Bas de Leede and Fred Klaassen each claimed two wickets. Also taking a wicket was Paul van Meekeren. Ackermann won “Man of the Match” honours for his knock of 41.
