Temba Bavuma makes history as first unbeaten captain to lift WTC mace

South Africa made history at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London by defeating Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 to end their 27-year ICC trophy drought. Their last major ICC triumph came in the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy, and after years of near misses, they finally lifted the WTC mace.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma played a crucial role in this victory, maintaining his unbeaten record as Test captain. The Proteas had come close to breaking their title drought in the 2024 T20 World Cup Final, but fell short against India. But, Bavuma led South Africa with remarkable consistency in the WTC cycle, winning seven out of eight matches and drawing one. Bavuma, as captain, holds nine wins and a draw in Test cricket.

Despite suffering a hamstring injury early in the 2nd innings, Bavuma scored 36 in the first innings and a match-winning 66 in the second. His 147-run third-wicket partnership with Aiden Markram was the key in securing the victory. Bavuma also holds a record of nine consecutive 30-plus scores in Test cricket, with only former England cricketer Ted Dexter surpassing him with 11 consecutive 30+ scores. South Africa’s triumph also extended their winning streak to eight consecutive Test matches, making it their second-longest streak in history.

Australia posted 212 runs in the first innings, with Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) leading the charge, while Kagiso Rabada delivered a stellar performance, claiming a five-wicket haul. In response, South Africa struggled in their first innings, getting bowled out for 138, with the help of Pat Cummins’ masterclass of a six-wicket haul. 

Australia fought back in their second innings, managing 207 runs, with Mitchell Starc scoring 58. But, Rabada secured four more wickets. South Africa needed to chase 282 runs with the opener Aiden Markram led from the front with a magnificent 136, guiding the Proteas to a historic victory and their first ICC title in 27 years.

Most consecutive 30+ scores by a captain in Tests