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Proteas Skipper Temba Bavuma Optimistic About SA20 Preparing Batting Line-Up for Champions Trophy

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Picture: Reuters

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma is confident that the ongoing SA20 tournament is providing valuable preparation for his team’s batting lineup ahead of the Champions Trophy next month in Pakistan and Dubai.

While some key batsmen have had mixed performances, others have found their rhythm. Heinrich Klaasen, playing for Durban’s Super Giants, had struggled early on but showed signs of returning to form with a vital knock of 66 against MI Cape Town over the weekend. Aiden Markram has been consistent for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, scoring two half-centuries and a 43. Teammate Tristan Stubbs has also chipped in with valuable contributions, including scores in the 30s in his last three innings.

Bavuma remains optimistic, recognizing that while the T20 format demands different skills from the batsmen, the experience of spending time at the crease is invaluable for the upcoming Champions Trophy. “I’m really glad that the core of our batting line-up is doing well in the SA20. In Pakistan, we should get friendly pitches for batting, so you need in-form batsmen to take control of matches over there,” Bavuma told SportsBoom.co.za.

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While the batting unit seems to be clicking, the Proteas are facing uncertainties in their bowling lineup. Anrich Nortje was ruled out of the Champions Trophy after being named in the squad due to a back injury, and Gerald Coetzee, who could have been Nortje’s replacement, was also sidelined with a hamstring injury after playing just one game for the Joburg Super Giants.

Despite the setbacks, Bavuma remains hopeful, emphasizing that injuries are part of the game. “There are more question marks over the bowling, but obviously injuries are part of the game,” he said. “Bowling has always been our strength, and you want to be in the position where you can select from everyone. But I have a lot of pride in this team that they always find a way, even if they have to do it the hard way.”

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