JOHANNESBURG : Led by captain Temba Bavuma, the Proteas ended a 27-year major trophy drought with a commanding five-wicket victory at the iconic London ground last Saturday. The win marked South Africa’s first global cricket title since the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy, now known as the Champions Trophy.

Bavuma and head coach Shukri Conrad emerged first, holding the coveted Mace awarded to Test champions, before the rest of the squad followed — each greeted with cheers, flowers, handshakes, and selfie requests from passionate fans. Among the crowd were proud supporters like accountant Brian Gabela and receptionist Mandy Tshabalala, who braved the cool winter morning to celebrate the momentous achievement.

Star batter Aiden Markram played a crucial role in the final, bouncing back from a first-innings duck to score a match-winning 136 in the second innings. Speedster Kagiso Rabada was equally instrumental, claiming nine wickets in the match to dismantle the Australian batting lineup.

The team is set to address the media at Cricket South Africa’s headquarters in Johannesburg later today. Looking ahead, the Proteas will face Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series beginning June 28 in Bulawayo. Bavuma will continue to lead the side, with Markram and Rabada rested. Five new faces, including Titans duo Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane, have been called up for the series.

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