Temba Bavuma Slams Australia’s ‘Chokers’ Sledging After South Africa’s Historic WTC 2025 Win

WTC 2025 Lord’s, June 15, 2025: South Africa scripted history on June 14, 2025, defeating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s to clinch their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) title, their first ICC trophy in 27 years. But amidst the celebrations, captain Temba Bavuma called out Australia’s distasteful sledging, revealing how the Aussies taunted the Proteas with the “chokers” tag during their chase. The victory, powered by Aiden Markram’s gritty 136 and Bavuma’s brave 66 despite a hamstring injury, silenced critics and shed South Africa’s long-standing label of faltering in big moments.

South Africa’s Triumph Over Australia

Chasing 283 on a flattening Lord’s pitch, South Africa needed 69 runs with eight wickets in hand on Day 4. Despite losing Bavuma (66) and Tristan Stubbs (8) early, Markram’s resolute century and a composed finish by David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne sealed the win in the extended first session. Kagiso Rabada’s nine wickets, including a first-innings five-for, earned him Player of the Match, while Markram’s 147-run stand with Bavuma turned the tide on Day 3.

The victory marked South Africa’s first ICC title since the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy, ending a 27-year drought. It was a moment of redemption for a team haunted by past heartbreaks, including the 2024 T20 World Cup final loss to India and the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final defeat.

Bavuma Exposes Australia’s Sledging Tactics

Post-match, Temba Bavuma revealed the mental battle his team faced, with Australian players repeatedly using the word “choke” to unsettle the Proteas during their batting. “While we were batting, we could hear the Aussies using that dreaded word: choke,” Bavuma said. “We came in with a lot of belief and a lot of doubters. This win squashes that.”

Aiden Markram, who countered the sledging by urging Bavuma to “lock in” after every over, played a pivotal role in keeping the team focused. “Aiden was adamant that the partnership is the key,” batting coach Ashwell Prince noted, explaining why Bavuma continued despite his injury. The 35-year-old captain, hobbling after pulling his hamstring on Day 3, battled through pain to score a match-defining 66, showcasing his lion-hearted spirit.

Silencing the Doubters

South Africa’s journey to the WTC final was met with skepticism, with critics claiming they faced weaker teams, avoiding series against Australia and England and drawing 1-1 at home against India. Bavuma dismissed these doubts, saying, “People said we hadn’t faced strong opposition, which is rubbish. We beat Australia this time, had to be on our A-game.”

The win was particularly sweet for Bavuma, who faced scrutiny for his cautious batting on Day 1. Former Australian batter Matthew Hayden had criticized his lack of intent, but Bavuma’s resilient 66 on one leg forced Hayden to eat his words. “It was a champion effort. He played really good simple cricket,” Hayden later admitted.

Emotional Celebrations at Lord’s

The victory sparked emotional scenes at Lord’s. Keshav Maharaj, South Africa’s spinner, sobbed uncontrollably on the balcony, while Bavuma covered his face to hide tears, overwhelmed by the moment. “It’s special, an honour to lift the cup for everyone back home. It’s what the country’s about, the unity among everyone in the last five days,” Maharaj said.

Bavuma, hailed as ‘Lord’ Temba by fans, emphasized the team’s unity and resilience. “We’ve been relentless, getting to the doorstep consistently and experienced heartache. Hopefully, this is one of many,” he said, crediting the support of 15,000 fans who made Lord’s feel like a home game.

Key Performances and Turning Points

Aiden Markram (136): His fourth-innings century anchored the chase, earning praise from AB de Villiers, who recorded the celebrations from the stands.
Temba Bavuma (66): Batting through a hamstring injury, his 147-run partnership with Markram was the joint second-highest successful chase at Lord’s.
Kagiso Rabada (9/110): Overcoming a recent cocaine-related controversy, Rabada’s fiery bowling dismantled Australia’s batting.
Pitch Conditions: The pitch eased on Day 3, offering little to Australia’s bowlers—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon—who took only four wickets post-tea.

Australia’s Pat Cummins graciously acknowledged South Africa’s dominance. “SA were deserved winners. They kept themselves in the game throughout,” he said, calling the WTC final a “pinnacle” of Test cricket.

A New Chapter for South African Cricket

The WTC triumph buried the “chokers” tag that haunted South Africa for decades, with past stars like Dale Steyn witnessing the historic moment. “This win is an opportunity for us as a nation, divided as we are, to unite,” Bavuma said, echoing the sentiments of a country craving sporting glory.

Bavuma’s leadership, averaging 57.78 as captain with 10 wins in 14 Tests, has silenced critics who once questioned his place due to affirmative action policies. His pain-defying innings and tactical acumen have cemented his legacy as one of South Africa’s finest captains.

Tips for Cricket Fans

Follow Live Updates: Catch the latest cricket news on platforms like hindustantimes.com or sports.ndtv.com.
Relive the Moment: Watch highlights of the WTC Final 2025 on ICC’s official website or Hotstar.
Engage on Social Media: Share your thoughts on South Africa’s win using hashtags like #WTCFinal2025 and #TembaBavuma.

A Victory for the Ages

South Africa’s WTC 2025 triumph over Australia was more than a cricket match—it was a story of resilience, unity, and redemption. Temba Bavuma’s brave leadership, Aiden Markram’s steely resolve, and the team’s defiance against Australia’s sledging have etched their names in cricketing folklore. As the Proteas lift the ICC mace, they inspire a nation and prove that even the toughest battles can be won with heart and grit.

Disclaimer: This article is based on reliable sources, including match reports and player statements. For official updates, visit icc-cricket.com or trusted news platforms.

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