South Africa one-day captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out for the remainder of the Proteas' ODI series in Sri Lanka with a fractured thumb.
The skipper suffered the freak injury during Wednesday's first ODI that, inspired by centurion Avishka Fernando, the hosts won by 14 runs.
Bavuma was inadvertently struck from a fielder's throw-in during the 26th over at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
Persistent discomfort saw him retire hurt two overs later, with scans later revealing a fracture.
The bounce back is always greater than the setback#SLvSA #ThatsOurGame pic.twitter.com/Yzwirml7iR
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) September 3, 2021
Bavuma will return to South Africa for further treatment, from which his recovery time will be determined.
Keshav Maharaj will deputise as captain for the second ODI of the three-match series on Saturday.