Why is Temba Bavuma not playing today's SA vs BAN match of 2023 World Cup?

South African captain Temba Bavuma is not playing today’s 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Bavuma also missed South Africa’s previous match against England, which was played at the same venue on October 21, due to illness. He has not yet recovered fully, so he remains unavailable for today’s World Cup match as well.

Experienced middle-order batter Aiden Markram captained the Proteas against England in Mumbai and will lead the team in Tuesday’s match against Bangladesh as well. With Bavuma unavailable for the game, opener Reeza Hendricks, who scored an impressive 85 off 75 balls versus England, retains his place in the playing XI.

The 33-year-old Bavuma struggled in the three matches that he played in the 2023 World Cup before falling ill, registering scores of 8, 35 and 16. Meanwhile, South Africa have made one more forced change to the playing XI for their match against Bangladesh in Mumbai. Pace bowler Lungi Ngidi is out with a niggle and has been replaced by Lizaad Williams.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in the match. Speaking about the decision to bat, Markram said:

“[We are] Trying to approach [this match] in a similar way to the English game. It's really hot. It took a toll on everyone, its advantage fielding in the evening.”

For Bangladesh, a fit Shakib Al Hasan returns to captain the team, with Towhid Hridoy missing out.

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South Africa vs Bangladesh 2023 World Cup match: Playing XIs

Here are the playing XIs for today’s South Africa vs Bangladesh 2023 World Cup match:

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim (w), Mahmudullah, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (w), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams