In a landmark achievement for South African cricket, Temba Bavuma has etched his name into the record books by becoming the first captain in World Test Championship (WTC) history to finish a campaign without defeat. South Africa’s win over Australia in the WTC 2025 Final at Lord’s was more than just a title — it was a statement.

Bavuma’s leadership credentials were on full display as the Proteas successfully chased down 282, powered by Aiden Markram’s sublime 136 and the captain’s own fighting 66, scored despite a troubling hamstring injury.

Under Bavuma’s captaincy during this WTC cycle, South Africa played eight matches, winning seven and drawing one. His overall Test captaincy record now reads 10 matches, nine wins, and one draw — an unbeaten streak unmatched in WTC history.

As Day 4 of the final began, South Africa stood at 213/2. Bavuma and Markram resumed their innings with grit, but Cummins soon broke the partnership by dismissing the South African skipper. Australia sensed an opening when Starc removed Tristan Stubbs, but their hopes were short-lived.

Markram continued with poise, and alongside David Bedingham, the pair kept South Africa on course. Though Markram fell for 136, just shy of the finish line, Verreynne’s confident strokes sealed the deal, giving the Proteas a long-awaited ICC crown.

Notably, Bavuma has now scored 30 or more in nine consecutive Test innings, a record only surpassed by former England captain Ted Dexter. This consistency, combined with his strategic clarity, has been central to South Africa’s resurgence on the global stage.

This victory not only ends a 27-year wait since their last ICC trophy — the 1998 Champions Trophy — but also brings to a close the persistent “chokers” narrative. With Bavuma at the helm, South African Test cricket enters a new and promising era.