At the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South African skipper Temba Bavuma produced a monumental batting performance to etch his name into the record books. Leading from the front in the second ODI against Australia, Bavuma anchored the innings with a composed century, becoming the oldest captain from South Africa to reach a three-figure score in one-day international cricket. His disciplined approach showcased both patience and authority against a formidable bowling attack.
Surpassing Faf du Plessis' Age Record
On 27 September 2026, Bavuma achieved this landmark at the age of 36 years and 133 days. He brought up his century in 112 balls and eventually finished with 103 runs off 116 deliveries, an innings decorated with 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. By reaching three figures, he eclipsed the previous national record held by former captain Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis had registered a 94-ball century against Australia at Old Trafford, Manchester on 6 July 2019, when he was 34 years and 358 days old.
Second ODI Ton Against Australia as Captain
This marked Bavuma's second ODI hundred against Australia. Among South African captains scoring centuries against the Australian team in ODIs, he now sits second only to Faf du Plessis, who bagged three centuries during his tenure as skipper. Bavuma's steady anchor role provided the ideal platform for his team to build a massive total.
Global Milestones for Oldest ODI Centurions
Looking at broader international records, the world record for the oldest player to score an ODI century overall belongs to UAE's Khurram Khan. At 43 years and 162 days, Khurram smashed an unbeaten 132 against Afghanistan in Dubai on 30 November 2014.
Meanwhile, among Full Member ICC nations, the distinction of being the oldest captain to score an ODI century belongs to Zimbabwe's Craig Ervine. Ervine struck a memorable unbeaten 121 against Nepal at Harare on 18 June 2023, accomplishing the feat at the age of 37 years and 303 days.
David Miller's Fireworks Push Proteas to 365
While Bavuma provided the tactical foundation, middle-order power-hitter David Miller unleashed severe punishment on the Australian bowling unit. Miller launched an explosive assault, scoring 142 runs featuring 12 boundaries and 9 towering sixes. Driven by Bavuma's landmark ton and Miller's power hitting, South Africa amassed a formidable total of 365 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.
