South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, have reached the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the first time, thanks to a strong home campaign and consistent performances throughout the 2023–25 cycle. They will face the defending champions Australia, who dominated the tournament and notably thrashed India 3-1 in a home series.
South Africa’s journey in this WTC cycle included several significant series:
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Vs India (Home, Dec 2023): South Africa started strong with a dominant innings and 32-run win in the first Test at Centurion. Dean Elgar scored a magnificent 185, while Kagiso Rabada and Nandre Burger dismantled the Indian batting lineup. However, the second Test at Cape Town, played on a controversial pitch, lasted only 1.5 days, with India bouncing back to win by 7 wickets. This resulted in a 1-1 drawn series, with Elgar retiring afterward.
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Vs New Zealand (Away): South Africa fielded a weakened side due to the SA20 league, resulting in a 0-2 series loss. New Zealand secured historic wins including a 281-run victory at Mount Maunganui and a 7-wicket win at Hamilton, marking their first Test series triumph over South Africa.
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Vs West Indies (Away): After a drawn Test at Port of Spain, South Africa earned a crucial 40-run win in the second Test at St Lucia, aided by Keshav Maharaj’s brilliant bowling.
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Vs Bangladesh (Away): With Aiden Markram as captain (Bavuma injured), South Africa won both Tests comfortably. Kyle Verreynne’s century helped in the first Test, while Tony de Zorzi and Kagiso Rabada starred in the innings-and-273-runs victory in the second Test.
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Vs Sri Lanka (Home): South Africa clinched the series 2-0 with commanding wins at Durban and Gqeberha, keeping their hopes alive for a WTC final spot.
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Vs Pakistan (Home, Dec 2024): The final two-Test series was decisive. South Africa won a thrilling first Test at Centurion by 2 wickets, thanks to late-innings heroics from Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada. The Boxing Day Test win sealed South Africa’s qualification for the WTC final. They finished the cycle with a comprehensive 10-wicket win in Cape Town, highlighted by Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 259 and centuries from Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne. South Africa concluded with 100 WTC points.
Marco Jansen was named Player of the Series for his impactful 10 wickets across the Pakistan Tests.
South Africa’s remarkable turnaround, especially after the New Zealand series hiccup, showcases their depth, resilience, and skill—setting the stage for an exciting final clash against Australia.
