Bavuma releases inner AB with 108-ball ton

08 September 2016 - 10:15 By Khanyiso Tshwaku

Centuries by Temba Bavuma and Grant Mokoena headlined the fourth eKasi Challenge cricket clash at Elkah Stadium in Soweto yesterday. Though the result was never going to be important, Bavuma's sparkling 118-ball 117 was, laying the foundation for the Highveld Lions' formidable 308/8 from 50 overs. The Titans in reply could muster only 290 as their tail collapsed.While Mokoena's 108-ball 103 was streaky he was still able to experience the joy of scoring a century at his home oval. Mokoena spent most of his formative years a stone's throw from the stadium.Although Mokoena spent the majority of his innings negotiating excellent bowling by the Lions pace attack before opening his shoulders, Bavuma's 100 was fluent from the outset.It was in fact the perfect thank you to the national selectors for including him in the national one-day squad for the Ireland series,Coming in at 37/2 after Stephen Cook had lofted a catch to Rowan Richards at third man off Junior Dala, Bavuma saw off a testing spell from his former teammates before reaching his 100 off 108 balls, with seven fours.It an innings to gladden the heart of selection convenor Linda Zondi, who has said he would like to see Bavuma opening in the ODI against Ireland at Willowmoore Park on September 26. ..

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