Their historic World Test Championship triumph has squashed the doubts about the team’s credentials, asserted an elated South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, dismissing suggestions that they did not face quality rivals en route the title clash. South Africa’s 27-year-long wait for an ICC trophy ended on Saturday when they beat Australia in the final by five wickets.

It is their maiden WTC title and their first ICC trophy since winning the ICC Knock-Out Trophy (now ICC Champions Trophy) back in 1998. The Proteas reached the WTC final after series wins over Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, defeat against New Zealand and draw against India in the 2023-25 cycle. “We got ourselves into the final, there were doubters on the route we took, this win squashes that,” Bavuma said at the post-match presentation.

It’s been a special couple of days, at some points it felt like we were in SA. We prepared hard, we came in with a lot of belief and lot of doubters, glad we played well,” he added. Rabada dismissed suggestions that the Proteas reached the WTC final after playing weak opponents. “We deserve to be here. People said we haven’t faced strong oppositions, which is rubbish,” he said.

“Can’t describe in words how I feel. Extremely happy, we’ve planned well and worked hard. Thanks to everyone for the support, last four days felt like a home game.” Despite their world-class talent over the years, South Africa have struggled to clinch ICC trophies, falling short or “choking” at crucial stages. Bavuma hoped that WTC title would change all that.

“We’ve been relentless, getting to the doorstep consistently and experienced heartache, the sun’s been with us. Hopefully, this win is one of many,” said the captain who battled an apparent hamstring strain to make 66 and stitch 147 runs for the third wicket with centurion Aiden Markram (136) during SA’s second innings to lay the foundation of the win.