'No batter likes to face ball at 150 kmph': South Africa captain Temba Bavuma wary of playing India's Umran Malik

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hailed Umran Malik as an "exciting bowling prospect" for the Indian team and also admitted that no batter would want to face a bowler who delivers at over 150kph.

South Africa have a side with exciting and talented cricketers and following an impressive campaign of few of their players in the recently-concluded 2022 IPL, the team would be hoping the stars can emulate the same in the impending series against India. The Proteas are gearing up for the five-match series against the Men in Blue which begins from June 9 onwards in New Delhi, but there has been one Indian player that has created a bit of a concern for the visitors.

Mark Boucher and Temba Bavuma (R) during a training session (Getty Images)

In the build-up to the five-series T20I contest between India and South Africa, no player has been a bigger talking point than India's uncapped star Umran Malik. He is among the two players who have earned a maiden India call-up for the T20I series following a superb IPL 2022 season.

Umran, who played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, was the cynosure of the 15th edition of the tournament with his breakneck pace and ability to pick wickets as well. In 14 games, he picked 22 wickets for SRH.

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Speaking to the press, Bavuma hailed Umran as an "exciting bowling prospect" for the Indian team and also admitted that no batter would want to face a bowler who delivers at over 150kph. Umran has been consistently hitting the mark and had also scripted the record for the fastest delivery bowled by an Indian bowler in IPL history this season.

“Umran Malik is an exciting pace bowling prospect for the Indian team. IPL has been great for the Indian team as they are able to unearth all these fast bowling options,” Bavuma said ahead of his side’s departure to India. I think in South Africa we grow up facing fast bowlers but I don’t think no batter likes to face ball at 150 kmph. But you prepare as well as you can," the South Africa skipper said.

“We also got guys who can bowl 150 kmph. So we have that weaponry in our arsenal. But Umran Malik is a special talent for Team India and I hope that he could emulate his IPL performance in international cricket,” Bavuma added.

Bavuma also talked about India having the luxury of resting some of biggest stars. The hosts will be without Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami who have been given a break after a two-month long IPL.

“We don’t have the luxury to rest players. India may be resting a few players but the guys who are playing are also in good form and are great players. The important thing is to prepare for the World Cup.

“The guys need to be in a competitive space. And India series will be an important part of the competitive process,” Bavuma further added.