In the ongoing World Test Championship final, South Africa is still attempting to survive a difficult day against Australia. The match is being hosted at the historic Oval. Whether it’s the players in the band playing or players on both teams aggressively going after important runs and wickets to start taking the advantage. Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa, leads his team during a tense second day, facing a formidable Australian bowling attack.
By the end of the 28th over, South Africa was struggling with a score of 67-4, as Bavuma and David Bedingham only mustered 17 runs apiece. The meeting between these two aces was monumental, as both pair’s efforts were needed in an attempt to right the ship after early waves dashed any hopes. At this point in the innings though, the pressure was beginning to show as each run was crucial in their effort to reach a respectable total.
As play continued into the 36th over, South Africa managed to recover just enough to lift themselves to 92-4. Faf had come to the party, scoring a brisk 36, while Bedingham added a further 22 runs. They showed amazing fortitude under pressure from the Australian attack. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sure took them to task.
Lady Luck turned on South Africa in a most unfortunate fashion in the 40th over. They faltered to 94-5, endangering their hopes. Before his departure, Bedingham had accumulated 24 runs. With Kyle Verreyne continuing to look for his first goal, the desire to retool quickly became apparent. Bedingham continued to show grit by taking a run off Mitchell Starc’s hip and accumulating a couple of runs through the covers.
The match was nearing the end of the 44th over when South Africa slumped to 97-5. Bedingham took his score to 26 as Verreyne’s contribution fell to a single run. As each ball bowled became more and more important, the tension in the stadium mounted.
In the very next over, South Africa moved past that ever-so-100-run bubble. Bedingham otherwise hit 27 runs and Verreyne just three. The team achieved remarkable success on the back of individually brilliant moments, both of them. Bedingham hit a beautiful shot through midwicket, Bavuma followed suit with a lovely drive through the covers for four.
It would go wrong for Bavuma as, after reaching his century, Cummins dismissed him with a big inswinging delivery. With the captain’s departure, South Africa were suddenly in disarray, down a dangerous 94-5. His dismissal was met with disappointment from fans and teammates alike as he had played a crucial role in steadying the innings.
Despite this setback, David Bedingham continued his slow but steady advance, contributing runs by gliding a couple from Hazlewood and lofting Hazlewood over cover for four. His composure at the crease was more important than ever as he looked to provide the anchor point in a situation of regular wicket loss.
Bavuma was unflinching in his confidence that his team would be able to counter Australia’s bowling attack. Wildly enough, Stevens called out, “Don’t shut out Cummins.” This attacking strategy is indicative of the renewed attacking mentality that South Africa wanted to establish going up against one of the best Australian teams assembled.
The war between bat and ball has been a thrill to witness! Both teams thus far have fallen victim to their most glaring weaknesses. South Africa has a long way to go, but has been making strides to get there. Each additional run will be ever more important in determining the winner of this do-or-die contest.