‘Someone who delivered what the nation longed for’ – An emotional Temba Bavuma looks back on WTC victory

Temba Bavuma led South Africa wisely and assisted them in winning an ICC title after 27 years, in addition to recording scores of 36 and 66 in this week’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.

In addition, Temba Bavuma exemplified the South Africans’ never-say-die mentality when, on Day 3, he batted despite suffering a hamstring injury to form a match-winning 147-run partnership with Aiden Markram in the fourth innings. The Proteas were able to chase down a 282-run total against the elite Australian bowling attack thanks in large part to their outstanding partnership.

Temba Bavuma, who was instrumental in South Africa’s historic victory, stated that while it is always possible to give up, the possibility of becoming someone who contributed to his nation’s long-sought achievement kept him going.

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“It’s always possible to give up. Something kind of pushes you forward, but it’s always there in the back of your mind. For me, it was that moment when I was acknowledged as more than just a Black African cricket player and as someone who had fulfilled a national desire. I’ll absolutely be walking around with my chest out like that.

And I hope it keeps inspiring our nation,” Temba Bavuma stated at the news conference held after the game.

“I mean, I never imagined that I would be performing at Lord’s. All I could do was dream about it. That’s what we could actually reach. I never dreamed of being the captain. Additionally, to be in this position now, having won the national mace, is an opportunity. You can’t really write those kinds of things, in my opinion,” he continued.

The 35-year-old was the first captain to go undefeated and win the WTC mace. So far, Temba Bavuma has guided South Africa to nine victories and one draw. The Cape Town native captained South Africa in eight games during the WTC 2023–2025 cycle, and the Proteas won seven of them and drew one.