South Africa finally lifted an ICC trophy after 27 long years by defeating Australia in the World Test Championship final. The match was held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, where Temba Bavuma’s team delivered a remarkable performance to secure a five-wicket victory. Their previous ICC title win was in 1998, and since then, the Proteas had been constantly tagged as “chokers” in major tournaments.
This recent triumph not only brought an end to that perception but also signaled a new chapter for South African cricket. Under the leadership of Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad, the team showcased unity, skill, and mental strength. Aiden Markram, who had failed to score in the first innings, made a brilliant comeback by scoring 136 runs in the second. Kagiso Rabada also made a strong impact by taking nine wickets in the match, playing a crucial role in the victory.
Grand Reception for National Heroes
Upon their arrival in Johannesburg, the South African players were met with an outpouring of love and admiration. Thousands of fans gathered at the airport to welcome their heroes home. As captain Bavuma emerged from the arrival gate holding the WTC mace, the crowd burst into excitement with chants, songs, and waving flags.
The Proteas are given a hereos welcome at the OR TAMBO International airport following their triumph at the #WTC2O25Final pic.twitter.com/nYljASMuCt
— Shazi (@NkosinathiShazi) June 18, 2025
Coach Shukri Conrad followed, equally touched by the fans’ enthusiasm. Other players soon joined in, warmly greeting supporters, giving autographs, and carrying bouquets. The emotional reception showed how much the victory meant to the people of South Africa. The team’s unity and strong leadership were evident, and their connection with fans made the celebration even more meaningful.
Bavuma Shares His Emotions
During a press conference, Temba Bavuma shared his feelings about the grand welcome. “We haven’t seen people like that at the airport before,” he said, describing the scene as overwhelming. He admitted that the players often don’t fully understand what they’ve achieved until they interact with the fans and feel their joy and pride.
Reflecting on the significance of their win, he stated, “We are proud as a team but we are even more happy and proud that we’ve made our people proud. If you look at this team and the guys at the helm, we have done it the proper South African way.” His words highlighted not just the importance of the victory, but also the sense of national pride and identity the team carried with them.
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