Temba Bavuma revealed that the Australian players called South Africa “chokers” during the match, but their win proved the doubters wrong.
Temba Bavuma led South Africa to their first ICC senior title in 27 years with a commanding win over Australia in the World Test Championship 2025 Final at Lord’s. For years, the team carried the burden of repeated failures. Their inability to perform under pressure earned them the tag of “chokers.”
Bavuma revealed that during the final, Australian players tried to rattle them by repeatedly using the word “choke.” The South African captain admitted there were doubts about their path to the final. However, he believes this win has silenced critics.
“While we were batting, we could hear the Aussies using that dreaded word: choke. We came in with a lot of belief and a lot of doubters. We got ourselves into the final, and there were doubters as to the route we took. This win squashes that. Here’s an opportunity for us as a nation, divided as we are, to unite,” Bavuma said in the post-match conference.
“As a country, it’s a chance for us to rejoice in something, to forget about our issues and really come together. I hope it inspires and continues to inspire our country. For this group of players, there were a lot of doubters, but the way we played would have wiped all of that out,” he continued.
“It’ll be great not to have to hear that again. Getting the job done and getting rid of it is quite a big thing for this team. All the questions that have been asked in the past have now been answered,” the skipper added.
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In the match, chasing 282, SA’s Aiden Markram led with a composed 136 off 207 balls. His innings included 14 boundaries and guided South Africa to the second-highest chase at the venue.
The Proteas resumed Day 4 at 213/2, needing 69 more. Temba Bavuma fell early for 66, but David Bedingham’s calm support helped finish the job. Earlier, Australia posted 212 in the first innings. South Africa replied with just 138. Pat Cummins took 6 wickets to reach 300 Test dismissals. Kagiso Rabada was key for South Africa, finishing with 9 wickets. This is their second ICC title and first in 21 years.
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Last Updated on June 15, 2025
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