Temba Bavuma's pain-defying epic at the Lord's helped South Africa lift the WTC trophy and break 27-year ICC curse

The first Black batter to make a century for South Africa has led them to World Test Championship glory – but wider issues within the format must be solved to save it

Temba Bavuma led South Africa to their first World Test Championship title at Lord’s, making history as the team’s first Black African captain. The inspirational skipper hopes the win over Australia will spark belief in a nation still shaped by its past.

South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, broke their 27-year jinx of not winning an ICC Trophy. The Proteas defeated Australia by five wickets to win the WTC Final, and the victory will go down in history as the one who finally broke that dreaded ICC curse.

A heartwarming video of South African captain Temba Bavuma celebrating his World Test Championship (WTC) victory with his son surfaced on social media. The right-handed batter not only gave the coveted mace to his son but also his Test cap as he thanked fans for their unbridled support at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

Across four days at Lord's, Temba Bavuma's team shows history, both distant and recent, can be overcome by a group brimming with talent and resilience.

Aiden Markram’s magnificent unbeaten 102 helped South Africa edge closer to World Test Championship final triumph