IRE vs SA 2024: Temba Bavuma to miss third ODI due to soft tissue injury

South Africa will clash with Ireland in the third ODI at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 7. In the final ODI of the series, the Proteas will miss the services of their captain, Temba Bavuma. The 34-year-old has been ruled out of the game due to a soft tissue injury on his left elbow. In his absence, Reeza Hendricks will replace the veteran and Rassie van der Dussen will lead the team against Ireland.

Bavuma contracted an injury during the second ODI as he dived to save himself from a potential run-out at the non-striker's end. The right-handed batter dived with his elbow landing directly, and he even had to be kept out from fielding during the game. Though not available for the upcoming game, he will return home with the rest of the squad on October 8.

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“Proteas Men’s One-Day International (ODI) captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the third ODI against Ireland due to a soft tissue injury on his left elbow. The 34-year-old sustained the injury during the second ODI on Friday after landing on his elbow while making ground at the non-striker’s end in the 12th over of South Africa’s innings. The injury prevented him from fielding,” CSA said in a tweet.

“Bavuma will return home with the rest of the squad on Tuesday and will consult a specialist. An update on the extent of his injury will be provided in due course. Reeza Hendricks has been called up as his replacement. The 35-year-old will arrive in Abu Dhabi later today. All-rounder Wiaan Mulder has returned home today due to personal reasons," the released read further.

“Rassie van der Dussen will captain the team for the final match of the series on Monday. South Africa holds an unassailable 2-0 lead heading into the encounter, which is set to start at 15:30 local time,” the statement concluded.

See the announcement post here:

Speaking of the ODI series, the Proteas have their hands on the trophy, leading the series by 2-0. They won the first couple of games dominantly by a massive margin of 139 and 174 runs respectively. Ireland will aim for a happy ending to an arduous outing in the series. It is worth noting that, Ireland managed to level the T20Is series by 1-1, winning the second T20I by 10 runs.