This win WTC Final 2025 over Australia at Lord’s is a big moment. It marks South Africa’s first senior ICC title for both men and women since 1998. It ends a long wait for the Proteas and their fans. “We know this moment is special,” Bavuma said after the five-wicket win. “It’s our duty to achieve what hasn’t been done before. Being part of this history means a lot. But this is just the beginning. We believe more trophies will come.”
Fresh from leading South Africa to victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final (WTC Final 2025) , captain Temba Bavuma is already focusing on what comes next. More ICC trophies for the country in all formats of the game.
Bavuma is already thinking about the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which South Africa will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia. He believes the team can use this WTC triumph to build momentum. “Winning the World Test Championship is huge,” Bavuma said. “We want to do something big at the 2027 World Cup too. There’s still time to prepare. Shukri Conrad will now lead the white-ball team and we’ll wait to see his ideas and who joins the squad. But yes, we want this to be the start of more success.”
Before the ODI World Cup South Africa will compete in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Aiden Markram will captain the side.
The Proteas came close in 2024 finishing second to India. Now, they aim to go one better. “Next year, the team will train hard,” Bavuma added. “Aiden and his boys have our full support. Hopefully, they can follow in our footsteps.”
He also confirmed his desire to play in 2027 depending on form and fitness. “Many of us want to be there. First, we need to stay fit. But I’ll definitely raise my hand to be part of that group,” Bavuma said.
Bavuma knows that while the WTC title is a proud moment, true greatness takes time. He hopes this team can leave a lasting legacy perhaps one that even matches or surpasses the team under Graeme Smith. “During our camp in Arundel, we spoke as a team,” Bavuma explained. “We said we’d judge ourselves after three or four years. That’s when we’ll really see how far we’ve come. Winning the Mace is a great start to that journey.”
He praised the legendary Smith led team but believes the current squad can aim just as high. “Graeme’s team set the benchmark. No team has matched that yet. But we believe we can. We want to do better. That’s the dream.”
Temba Bavuma and the Proteas made history at Lord’s by winning WTC Final 2025. But for them this is just the first step. With key ICC tournaments ahead and a united team spirit South Africa hopes this victory opens the door to a new golden era in cricket.