[Watch] Temba Bavuma and the South Africa team receive a huge welcome back home after winning the ICC WTC 2023-25

South Africa won their second ICC title after a gap of 27 years under the leadership of Temba Bavuma.

Temba Bavuma led South Africa Cricket Team to an exciting five-wicket triumph over longtime rivals Australian Cricket Team, to win the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 on Saturday (14th June) at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, ending the team’s 27-year drought for a major cricket title.

The clear man of the moment, Temba Bavuma, was an inspiration both on and off the field. The rest of the team trailed closely after him as he strode with assurance, carrying the championship mace like a badge of honour. To truly embrace the magnitude of the accomplishment, several players waved South African flags while others met fans.

The ICC WTC mace was held by both Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad, who were the first to meet the exuberant fans. Following that, players gave out bouquets, shook hands, gave them hugs, and signed autographs, directly expressing their happiness with their fans.

With a day and a half remaining, opening batsman Aiden Markram laid the groundwork for victory by overcoming an early setback—a duck in the first innings—to hit an incredible 136 in the second innings.

With nine wickets in the final, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada played an equally important role in enabling South Africa to win their first major trophy since the Knockout Trophy (now known as the ICC Champions Trophy) in 1998.

World Test Champions South Africa set for huge felicitation at home

According to reports, Cricket South Africa has opened the gates for the public to join in on this historic occasion, as they are not ones to rejoice in private. Sandton City will host an open victory celebration, and supporters are being asked to attend in large numbers.

Here’s what fans can look forward to at the celebration: a meet-and-greet with the Proteas squad, an opportunity to get up close to the prestigious WTC mace, and exclusive WTC Champion shirts for the first 100 attendees. Throughout the event, there will be surprise giveaways to keep the excitement alive, and to top it all off, one lucky fan will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to join the Proteas on stage for a champion’s photo opportunity.

After years of heartbreak and near misses, Bavuma’s brigade has finally crossed the line. And they are not keeping it to themselves. They are sharing it, celebrating it, and soaking in every ounce of love from the people who have backed them through thick and thin.

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