Earlier on Saturday, ESPNcricinfo confirmed with two sources that a decision on whether Bavuma would be taken for a scan would be made over the course of the day, but when asked several times whether Bavuma had gone for one, CSA management did not reply. They later issued a statement which suggested Bavuma was recovering at the team hotel in Ahmedabad on what is a rest day for South Africa.
“Proteas captain Temba Bavuma sustained a right hamstring strain during the match against Afghanistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday night,” CSA said. “He was assessed by the Proteas medical team today and showed an improvement overnight. He will continue to be monitored and managed by the medical team.”
Bavuma had left the field after nine balls of the first innings against Afghanistan, and returned four overs later but limped as he fielded – mostly at mid-off. He chased balls gingerly and hobbled as he jogged to talk to his bowlers but did not go off again, with his role as opening batter in mind. Had Bavuma spent significant time off the field, he would have only been allowed to bat after the same amount of time had elapsed or until at least five batters had been dismissed, which he did not want to do as he searches for form. To date, Bavuma has a top score of 35 at the tournament, and scored 23 against Afghanistan.
After the match, Bavuma explained that while it was a “bit risky,” he did what he “felt was right” by staying on the field despite being given the option to go off. While he did not know the extent of the injury at the time, he said it would “have to be fine” for the semi-final against Australia in Kolkata on November 16. It is understood CSA will leave the decision as to whether he plays as late as possible.
If Bavuma is unable to play the semi-final, Aiden Markram is likely to captain South Africa – as he did when Bavuma missed the England and Bangladesh games with illness – while Reeza Hendricks could open the batting.
South Africa are scheduled to travel to Kolkata on Sunday.