Cape Town – South Africans are celebrating after the Proteas Men conquered the Test arena, winning the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final against Australia at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
South Africa wrapped up the Final with a 5-wicket victory on Saturday, 14 June 25.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the City was celebrating the Proteas becoming world champions under the leadership of one of Langa’s most famous sons, Captain Temba Bavuma.
He bravely played through a hamstring strain on Day 3 of the World Test Championship Final.
“Our city warmly congratulates the world champion Proteas under the captaincy of Cape Town and Langa’s beloved Temba Bavuma, who continues to inspire future generations,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
“This World Championship campaign began in 2023 as our city marked Langa’s centenary by celebrating Temba’s back-to-back test centuries.
“Now the Championship ends with yet another heroic performance from our national captain and local legend.
“Cape Town will commemorate and forever remember this historic victory led by one of our own, delivering a cricketing world title for which so many South Africans have waited for so long.
“Today our country and the children of Langa are again reminded that we are called to great things as a nation.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa also congratulated the Proteas on winning the International Cricket Council’s Test Championship against Australia.
He noted that South Africa beat Australia through a superb team effort at Lord’s, the home of cricket, on the fourth day.
The win was built around excellent performances by the batsmen in the second innings.
There was the brilliant batting by Aiden Markram who scored 136 and the captain, Temba Bavuma with his 66 runs.
Their match-winning partnership was pivotal in the team’s success.
The bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, also kept the pressure on the Australian batsmen and never allowed them to dominate.
President Ramaphosa said: “Coach Shukri Conrad, captain Bavuma and the team have done South Africa proud.
“They started the match as underdogs but that indomitable spirit, that is a characteristic of our nation, carried the team through.”
The Proteas underlined the importance of being focused on the field and triumphed.
“Your win is a major boost for cricket in South Africa and you have inspired a new generation of cricketers,” the President said.
“I call on the nation to come and greet the Cricket World Champions when they arrive back in the country this week.”
