South African skipper Temba Bavuma has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first captain in World Test Championship (WTC) history to go unbeaten throughout the tournament cycle. South Africa’s thrilling five-wicket win over Australia at Lord’s not only clinched their maiden WTC title but also ended a 27-year drought for an ICC trophy.
Chasing a formidable target of 282, South Africa showcased grit and composure. Aiden Markram anchored the innings with a masterful 136, while Bavuma contributed a defiant 66, playing through a hamstring injury. Their 147-run stand proved pivotal in the final innings.
With this win, Bavuma now boasts an incredible record: 10 Tests as captain, nine wins, and one draw — with seven victories and one draw specifically during the WTC cycle. His calm leadership and consistent batting have been praised by cricket analysts worldwide.
In the first innings, Bavuma had already set the tone with a composed 36. Despite injury, his second innings knock was instrumental. However, his resistance ended early on Day 4, falling to Pat Cummins after adding just one run. Australia tried to stage a comeback, with Mitchell Starc removing Stubbs, but it wasn’t enough.
David Bedingham joined Markram to stabilize the innings, and despite the latter’s dismissal on 136 by Josh Hazlewood, the Proteas remained on track. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne ensured a calm finish, scoring the winning runs to seal victory.
This WTC triumph marks a transformative moment for South African cricket. The team has finally moved past years of near-misses in global tournaments. Bavuma’s steady leadership and the team’s ability to deliver under pressure have now given the nation a Test championship title — and hope for continued success.
