South African captain Temba Bavuma has etched his name into cricketing folklore by becoming the first skipper to win the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title with an undefeated record.
South Africa’s five-wicket victory over Australia at Lord’s not only delivered their first ICC title in 27 years but also silenced critics who long branded them as underachievers on the world stage.
The WTC 2025 Final was a battle of resilience, tactics, and temperament. Chasing a competitive 282 on a pitch offering uneven bounce, South Africa rose to the challenge, thanks to a magnificent 136 by Aiden Markram and a determined 66 from Bavuma.
Despite battling a hamstring injury, Bavuma anchored the chase with calm authority, forming a vital 147-run third-wicket stand with Markram that shifted the match decisively in the Proteas’ favor.
Bavuma’s leadership throughout the WTC cycle has been remarkable. Under his captaincy, South Africa played eight matches, winning seven and drawing one. His overall Test record as skipper now stands at ten matches, with nine wins and one draw—a perfect unbeaten run.
In the final, Bavuma’s role was central to South Africa’s success. After scoring a solid 36 in the first innings, his gritty 66 in the second, despite his injury, showcased not only skill but immense character.
His consistent performance with the bat has now seen him register 30 or more runs in nine consecutive Test innings, a feat only bettered by England’s Ted Dexter among Test captains.
On Day 4, South Africa resumed at 213-2, needing 69 runs for victory. Though Bavuma departed early on the day and Stubbs followed for 8, Markram and David Bedingham steadied the chase. Markram’s composed ton—laced with 14 boundaries—set the stage for Kyle Verreynne to hit the winning runs, sealing a historic victory.
This triumph is far more than a single match win. It’s a redemptive moment for South African cricket. It symbolizes the team’s mental toughness, their ability to perform under pressure, and most importantly, a new era led by a captain who has transformed the side into champions.