SA vs NZ: Temba Bavuma becomes target of fans as South Africa 'chokes' in Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final
Despite a strong start, many fans criticized Temba Bavuma's slow innings¡ªespecially in the powerplay¡ª scoring 56 off 71 balls and being a key factor in the team's defeat and again chocking in a knockout match.
In the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between South Africa and New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the Proteas' high-flying campaign came to an abrupt halt as the Kiwis thrashed them to reach the final.
The Black Caps secured a dominant 50-run victory, and the aftermath saw South African captain Temba Bavuma become the main target of criticism from fans and analysts as his team went on to choke yet again in a knockout game.
Why is Temba Bavuma facing backlash?
Chasing a challenging target of 363, South Africa started strong, reaching 125 for 1 by the 23rd over. However, they collapsed from 125-1 to 189-5, leaving too much work for the lower order. Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen had built a promising 105-run partnership for the second wicket, keeping their team in contention. However, both batters were dismissed in quick succession, halting South Africa's momentum.
"Ideally, you would've wanted both of us to keep going ¡ª at least till the 30th over. We know how destructive our middle order can be in the last 20 overs," Bavuma said at the post-match presentation. "Unfortunately, we weren't able to set that foundation for them. A bit of a soft dismissal from my side. I think that left too much for our middle order."
Temba Bavuma trolled by fans
Despite a strong start, many fans criticized Bavuma's slow innings¡ªespecially in the powerplay¡ª scoring 56 off 71 balls and being a key factor in the team's defeat and again chocking in a knockout match. David Miller delivered a sensational performance, smashing a century off just 67 balls, but received little support from the other batters, with South Africa ending at 312 for 9.
Temba Bavuma sahab powerplay mein ?#NZvsSA pic.twitter.com/j6HuGfsSQw
¡ª Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) March 5, 2025
The match also stirred controversy, as some fans alleged that an in-form player like Tristan Stubbs was sidelined due to "quota" selections, unfairly questioning Bavuma's spot in the lineup.
One fan wrote, "Imagine having Tristan Stubbs on the bench and Temba Bavuma in the XI because of reservations. Nothing can save South African cricket!"
Imagine having Tristan Stubbs on the bench and Temba Bavuma in playing XI because of reservation ?
¡ª ????? INDIA ?????? ??? ? (@KKRWeRule) March 5, 2025
Nothing can save South Africa Cricket !! pic.twitter.com/xnnqqVnQ0G
Another said, "Thanks to Bavuma's outstanding performance, New Zealand has successfully reached the Champions Trophy final. Congratulations to New Zealand."
Thanks to the outstanding performance of Bavuma, New Zealand has successfully made it to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy.
¡ª Kumar M (@OldYaade) March 5, 2025
Congratulations to New Zealand ?#Bavuma #NZvsSA #SouthAfrica #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/LeK1UTwMlX
A user commented, "Bavuma is a perfect example of how quotas can be rigged. Comes from a privileged background, great school, resourceful ¡ª yet uses quota to stay in the side. His innings have nearly knocked South Africa out of contention against New Zealand. Get someone more deserving."
Bavuma is a perfect example of how quotas can be rigged. Comes from a privileged background, great school, resourceful and then uses quota to be in the side. His inning has almost put South Arica out of contention against New Zealand. Get someone more deserving of color. #SAvNZ
¡ª Nikhil Kharoo (@nkharoo) March 5, 2025
Another added, "If there's an ounce of shame left in Bavuma, he should retire after this tournament. He¡¯s a burden on the team."
If there¡¯s an ounce of shame left in Bavuma, he should call it quits after this tournament. Pathetic burden for the team to carry forward.
¡ª Ahad Gilani (@ahadgilani_) March 5, 2025
About SA vs NZ
Despite Miller's heroic effort, South Africa ultimately fell short. "360 was always going to be tough. It needed someone to play an exceptional innings. David did that, but we probably needed someone else to step up as well," Bavuma concluded.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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