SA vs SL 2024: Top 3 performers from the series

1. Temba Bavuma

There could not have been a better comeback to the international side for Temba Bavuma. The skipper marked his return in emphatic style. Coming back from an injury to the left elbow, he was rightfully adjudged the Player of the Series for his outings with the bat as well as the leadership he exhibited on the field.

His 70 was one of the main reasons which carried South Africa to a decently respectable total of 191 in the very first innings of the opening Test. At a crucial juncture in the second Test, he worked in unison with Tristan Stubbs to string a 249-run stand for the fourth wicket. His third Test ton established South Africa in a commanding position in the game.

Bavuma was on his way to a successive Test ton, but got dismissed for 78 in the first innings of the second Test. He top-scored in the second innings with a noteworthy 66. Overall, he ended the series on a high with 327 runs across four innings at a staggering average of 81.75.

A rank long hop by Keshav Maharaj during the Lankan run-chase which was smashed to Bavuma at extra-cover for Prabath Jayasuriya to walk back to the pavilion was quite an exceptional moment on the field as far as his contribution in the field is concerned.