After 27 long years, South Africa have finally reclaimed ICC glory, lifting the coveted World Test Championship mace by defeating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s. Their last ICC trophy came in 1998—making this victory a momentous milestone in South African cricket.
Led by captain Temba Bavuma, the Proteas delivered a masterclass in resilience and strategic acumen throughout the 2023–25 WTC cycle. Stationed seventh in July 2024 with only 25% of possible points, South Africa defied expectations by embarking on an eight-match unbeaten streak in Tests—securing seven wins and one draw, sealing their place in the final. Bavuma himself remains unbeaten across ten Tests as captain, winning nine—a feat matching a record set nearly a century ago .
Bavuma’s individual form was equally commanding. He amassed 711 runs across 13 innings, averaging an impressive 59.25—second-highest among those with more than five innings. His leadership and consistent performances earned him plaudits as “an unlikely hero,” having become South Africa’s first Black Test captain to score a century and now to lift a major ICC trophy.
The WTC final itself showcased South Africa’s depth and character. Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 136 laid the foundation for the chase, supported by Bavuma’s 66—together forming a pivotal 143‑run partnership. Kagiso Rabada’s nine wickets across the match, at an average of 18.93 in the cycle, underscored the pace attack’s potency. South Africa successfully chased down 282 on Day 4—marking only the second-largest fourth-innings run chase at Lord’s
Beyond the stats, this win shattered the “chokers” tag that haunted successive generations of Proteas. Yuvraj Singh playfully jabbed: “Tough luck #Australia! You know it’s okay to let go of one trophy”. Former captain Graeme Smith lauded the batting as “outstanding”
But for Bavuma, the win transcended sport. As the first Black African captain to achieve this, he urged unity after the match: “Forget the divide, celebrate as one”, sending hope that this moment might help heal the nation’s lingering fractures.
In ending a near three-decade drought, South Africa not only reclaimed an ICC title—they rekindled belief in a team that combined courage, purpose, and profound symbolism.
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