SA vs PAK: Temba Bavuma says South Africa will aim for 350-plus at Chepauk if opportunity is there

Temba Bavuma has claimed that South Africa will look to score 350 or more if the opportunity presents itself ahead of their World Cup 2023 clash against Pakistan at Chepauk on October 27.

The Proteas have been demonstrating impressive performances in their recent games, scoring more than 350 runs in each of their last two matches. In a game against Bangladesh on October 24, South Africa scored a remarkable 382/5, winning the match by 149 runs.

In another game, South Africa faced England on October 21 and once again showcased their dominance by scoring a mammoth 399-7. The game was marked by a record-breaking defeat for England, with South Africa winning by a staggering 229 runs.

In their campaign opener against Sri Lanka, the Proteas scored 428 runs in their 50 overs. They will now take on Pakistan at the Chepauk, a ground that has never seen a team post more than 300 runs in a World Cup match.

The highest innings score was 289 for four by Australia during the 1996 World Cup against New Zealand. However, Bavuma is confident that his side can post 350 or more and continue their trend of being big run-getters in the tournament.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Proteas skipper said that the team has always assessed the conditions and batted accordingly and that process won’t change during the match against Pakistan.

Bavuma said they will try to get 350 or more if the opportunity is there and otherwise, would look to get a score fitting of the conditions.

“So, I think what we’ve done well is there’s that process within our batting of assessing the conditions, looking at what we need from a skill and option point of view to be successful, and that’s what we’ve done well.”

“So, I think the process in itself, batting here in Chennai, that’s not going to change. We’ll assess the wicket and, I guess, come up with options as to how we can be successful. And if the opportunity is there for us to score 350, we’ll do so. If not, we’ll make sure we play what’s happening in front of us as best as we can,” said Bavuma.