A thumb fracture endured in the first ODI forced Temba Bavuma to fly back to South Africa for further treatment. Keshav Maharaj will be leading the side in the remaining two ODIs, while the captain for the three three T20Is, scheduled after the ODI series, is yet to be named.
The incident took place in 26th over when Bavuma nudged one to mid-wicket. A sharp throw from the fielder hit him in the gloves. Bavuma batted for two more overs before retiring out. He was on 38 at that point, and had already added 118 runs with Aiden Markram for the second wicket. South Africa went on to lose the game by 14 runs.
The scan revealed a fracture, and Bavuma was advised to consult specialists at the earliest. This is the second instance of Bavuma having to left the series midway due to an injury. He was ruled out of T20I series against Pakistan due to a hamstring injury, and Heinrich Klassen led the team in his absence.
The second ODI will be played on Saturday. 4 September, at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.