Crowd cheers as Cricket champions, the Proteas, return to South Africa after winning Test series
Title: South Africa Victorious: Temba Bavuma Leads Proteas to Major Trophy After 27 Long Years
Breaking the 27-year trophy drought, South Africa triumphed over arch-rivals Australia at the iconic Lord's last weekend. Capitained by Temba Bavuma, the warriors of the Proteas clinched a thrilling five-wicket victory, marking a historic day for cricket lovers around the globe.
Jubilant supporters rushed forward to celebrate as Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad, clutching the Mace, made their way to the cheering crowd. Each player followed suit with a bouquet of flowers, delightedly shaking hands, hugging, and even signing autographs.
Opening batter Aiden Markram, turning the tables after a disappointing first inning with a stunning 136 in the second, laid the foundation for an early victory. Paceman Kagiso Rabada, with an impressive nine wickets in the decisive match, also proved to be a significant difference-maker as South Africa notched their first win since their 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy (now Champions Trophy) triumph.
The victorious team found warm welcomes back home, with accountant Brian Gabela and receptionist Mandy Tshabalala being amongst the first to greet them. Gabela, 35, reveled in the moment, exclaiming, "I had to be here and welcome the boys home. They have suffered so many heartbreaks during the past two decades. Now we are champions of the world."
Tshabalala, 37, anxiously watched the team's progress at the airport alongside her son Monthati, expressing her relief and joy after witnessing South Africa clinch the coveted trophy. "I have supported the Proteas since I was a child, and it has been heartbreaking to see them come so close but fall short for so long," she shared, adding that her high school son, a dedicated fan of Kagiso Rabada, eagerly keeps up with the Proteas' progress.
The victorious Proteas will hold a press conference at Cricket South Africa's Johannesburg headquarters later on Wednesday. Following their triumphant victory, South Africa will take on their northern neighbors, Zimbabwe, in the first of two Tests in Bulawayo on June 28. Although the team will be led by Bavuma, stars like Markram and Rabada will be given a well-deserved break.
Five uncapped players have been called up for the series against Zimbabwe, including Titans duo Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane. Pretorius, a 19-year-old sensation, made a powerful debut in a recent domestic four-day competition, amassing an average of 72.66 with three centuries. Senokwane, also a promising talent, hit 559 runs, including two centuries during the competition.
Both players, who recently debuted for South Africa A against the West Indies A, have earned their places in the Test squad after their exceptional performances.[1][2][3]
After the Tests, South Africa will play a seven-match Twenty20 tournament in Harare against Zimbabwe and New Zealand.
Test Squad:
Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf
© 2025 AFP
[1] "SA announce squads for Zimbabwe Tests", ESPN Cricinfo, March 25, 2025, https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30180025/sa-announce-squads-zimbabwe-tests
[2] "Pretorius Impresses With Dominant Form in SA A vs West Indies A", Sport24, April 6, 2025, https://www.sport24.co.za/OtherSport/Cricket/sa-news/pretorius-impresses-with-dominant-form-in-sa-a-vs-west-indies-a-20230406
[3] "Lesego Senokwane Leads Domestic Cricket Resurgence", Sports24, March 26, 2025, https://www.sport24.co.za/cricket/domestic/lesego-senokwane-leads-domestic-cricket-resurgence-20230326
South Africans, known for their passion for sports, will surely follow the Proteas' upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe, as several talented players from home such as Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane, deserve their chance to shine on the international stage. Africa, the cradle of humankind and now witness to the rise of new cricketing heroes.
