South Africa set to end ICC trophy drought: Can Temba Bavuma pull what Proteas greats couldn't?

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa are on the verge of history (AP Photo)

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa are on the verge of history as they are set to end their ICC trophy drought by winning the World Test Championship (WTC) final against defending champions Australia at the iconic Lord’s in London. Australia increased their lead above 250 in the second innings after 28 wickets fell in the first two days of the final. With his 11th Test fifty and a 59-run partnership with Josh Hazlewood, No. 9. Mitchell Starc proved to be a formidable opponent for South Africa on Day 3.

The Aussies were eventually bowled out for 207 runs, leaving South Africa a 282-run target. There have been only two successful chases of 280-plus at Lord's till date, and the Proteas are well on course towards making history with a potential of recording the third chase of 280-plus total.

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South Africa were 213/2 at Stumps on Day 3, with opener Aiden Markram (102*) and captain Temba Bavuma (65*) at the crease and 69 runs away from victory. By the time play ended the pair had added an unbeaten 143-run stand for the third wicket.

The last ICC trophy that South Africa won was the ICC Knockout Trophy in 1998, when Hansie Cronje was captain. Even though they are regarded as one of the world's top teams, South Africa have been waiting for an ICC title for 26 years.

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Following Cronje, a number of players attempted to win an ICC trophy but were unsuccessful, including Gary Kirsten, Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher, Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, and Quinton de Kock. That is one of the reasons they have been given the infamous title of “chokers”.

In 2024, South Africa were placed second in both the women's and men's T20 World Cups. They also lost to India in the ICC Women's Under-19 World Cup final earlier this year.