Temba Bavuma Aspires for More ICC Titles Following Historic Win

In the wake of South Africa's historic victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s on June 14, 2025, captain Temba Bavuma has expressed his ambition to secure additional ICC trophies for the team. This victory marks South Africa's first senior ICC title since 1998, breaking a 27-year drought, and Bavuma believes it sets the foundation for future successes across all formats of the game.

During a post-match interview, Bavuma stated, "We recognize that the sun shines on us and we have the responsibility of doing something that has never been done before. To be a part of that history is massive in a lot of ways. And we hope that this is the start of something. There could be more, there could be more trophies." This sentiment highlights the weight of expectations on the current squad and the desire to establish a legacy akin to that of the iconic South African team led by Graeme Smith.

The Proteas achieved their historic win with a decisive five-wicket victory over Australia, thanks in part to outstanding performances from players like Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada. Markram’s leadership will be crucial as South Africa prepares for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they aim to build on their previous performance as runners-up.

Bavuma acknowledged the importance of continuity and planning for the future under the newly appointed white-ball coach, Shukri Conrad. He emphasized the need for the team to maintain momentum from their recent success as they gear up for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which South Africa will co-host alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia. Bavuma noted, "I think it’ll be massive. I mean, that tournament, we’re definitely setting our sights on doing special things in that tournament. There is still a way to go until then."

The captain also reflected on the significance of their recent triumph, stating that while it is a monumental achievement, the team's legacy will ultimately be defined by sustained success over the years. Bavuma indicated the team’s intention to evaluate their progress after three to four years, asserting, "Yes, we’ve created history, but as a group, you know, we’d like to emulate, if not do better, than what Graham and his team did. They’ve set the standard. I don’t think anyone has reached that standard as of yet."

As the Proteas celebrate their World Test Championship triumph, the focus now shifts to ensuring that this victory serves as a catalyst for future wins. With a roster of talented players and a renewed sense of purpose, South Africa is poised to make a formidable impact in international cricket moving forward. The prospect of competing for multiple ICC titles under Bavuma’s captaincy presents an exciting chapter for South African cricket fans, who eagerly await the team's next steps in their quest for glory.