South Africa ended a 27-year wait for an ICC trophy with a historic victory over Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s on Saturday, June 14. Proteas have gone close to winning a trophy on multiple occasions, but it is only under Temba Bavuma that they have finally broken the curse. And the South African skipper hopes this is only the start.

“It’s been a remarkable couple of days; at times, it felt like we were in South Africa. We worked hard to prepare, and we came in with both confidence and doubt; we’re delighted we played well. This is a special time for us and those back home, and it will most likely soak in over the next few days. The enthusiasm was there, and I believe we as a team had been seeking this. We’ve been relentless, continually arriving at the doorstep despite experiencing heartache; the sun has been with us. “Hopefully, this is the first of many victories,” he stated during the post-game press conference.

While Bavuma made significant contributions in both innings, Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada provided game-changing efforts. Rabada took nine wickets in the contest, and Markram hit 136 in the fourth innings to help South Africa chase down a 282-run total against Australia’s potent bowling line.

“KG is a huge player. A few days ago, I attended the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. I believe he’ll be on there in a few years. Came into the game amidst controversy and performed what he did. Aiden is incredible. People have questioned his position, but he has character.

He played in the classic Aiden style; he and Rabada carried the character,” Temba Bavuma added.

Markram was selected Player of the Match. Speaking about his knock, the opener stated, “I haven’t scored more vital runs. Strange how things turned out after a duck in the first innings. Needed some luck, spent some time in the middle looking for runs, and I’m delighted everything worked out. Lord’s is where every Test cricketer wants to play. “To play a final here is extremely special.”