New Delhi: Temba Bavuma has etched his name in the history books, becoming the first South African captain to lift an ICC trophy since 1998. The Proteas men defeated Australia by 5 wickets in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) at Lord’s in London on June 14.
Chasing the target of 282 runs, South Africa lost two early wickets as Mitchell Starc dismissed Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder early in the innings, but Markram and Bavuma forged a match-winning 147-run partnership for the third wicket and helped the team to lift their maiden ICC World Test Championship title. Markram scored 136 runs off 207 balls while skipper Bavuma amassed 66 runs off 134 balls in the summit clash.
14 wickets fell on both day one and two of the ultimate Test, but the conditions got better for batting on day 3 as both players showed incredible grit and determination against the dangerous Aussie bowling line-up. Pat Cummins tried hard to break the partnership between Bavuma and Markram, but they remained unmoved. The Proteas required only 69 runs to win their first WTC title on day four, and they’ve done it with five wickets in hand.
Bavuma leads South Africa to historic WTC triumph
With the historic victory against Australia in the WTC final, captain Bavuma has not only ended South Africa’s long wait for the ICC Trophy but also redefined what leadership means in red-ball cricket. He was appointed as captain of the Test team in February 2023 and has never lost a match since then.
Under his captaincy, the Proteas have played ten Test matches and won nine of them, while one match ended in a draw. His calm nature and ability to inspire have transformed a team into World Test Champions. He is only the second skipper in history to remain unbeaten after leading in 10 Test matches.
South Africa outplayed an experienced Australian side with both bat and ball. Bavuma played a pivotal role for the team with the bat and also made great on-field decisions, which turned the match in their favour.
The victory marks South Africa’s first ICC trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy (then ICC knockouts) and ends a long-standing narrative of heartbreak and near misses. Bavuma faced racism, discrimination bullying and was often underestimated at the start of his career, but he has answered every question with dignity and on-field performance.
The South African Test skipper has not only lifted an ICC trophy for his team but also carved a new identity for the Proteas, which is defined by resilience, unity and belief. South Africa have produced some of the greatest cricketers in world cricket but has often stumbled on the biggest stage.
This victory at Lord’s is more than just a title for the nation; it’s a moment of pride, a turning point in their history and a massive achievement for a captain who stood tall when it mattered the most.
South Africa defeated Australia by 5 wickets in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) and lifted their first ICC Trophy since 1998. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
