WTC Final: Temba Bavuma's unbeaten captaincy run continues as South Africa beat Australia to win historic title
South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma at Lord's cricket ground in London. (AP Photo)
Temba Bavuma
's modest career numbers with the bat may not scream dominance, but his leadership record now speaks volumes. On Saturday, the South African captain extended his unbeaten streak in Test cricket, guiding the Proteas to their first ICC title in 27 years - a stunning victory over Australia in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final at Lord's.
Since taking over the reins in early 2023, Bavuma has quietly masterminded South Africa's red-ball revival. In just 10 Tests as skipper, he now boasts nine wins and a draw, an unblemished record that includes historic series wins and, now, the most prestigious prize in Test cricket.
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South Africa chased down a challenging 282-run target against defending champions Australia to lift the coveted WTC mace - joining New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023) as winners in the championship's three editions.
Poll
What do you think is Temba Bavuma's greatest achievement as South Africa's captain?
Winning the ICC World Test Championship
Reviving South Africa's red-ball cricket
Scoring over 900 runs as captain
Leading historic series wins
Bavuma led from the front in the final. After scoring a fighting 36 in a first innings total of 138, he returned in the fourth innings with the Proteas under pressure. Digging deep, the skipper produced a gritty 66 from 134 balls, anchoring a 147-run third-wicket partnership with
Aiden Markram
(136 off 207), which laid the foundation for the historic win.
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His recent run with the bat has mirrored his leadership success. Since becoming captain, Bavuma has scored over 900 runs at an average of 57 - a leap in form that has been crucial to South Africa's resurgence in Test cricket.
The WTC final triumph not only breaks South Africa's long ICC title drought - dating back to the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy - but also cements Bavuma's place in Proteas history as one of their most successful Test leaders.
Stats as captain:
M 10 | I 17 | R 911 | HS 172 | Ave. 56.93 | 3x100s | 5x50s
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