South African cricketer Temba Bavuma is optimistic that his team can overcome their history of heartbreak in ICC tournaments as they prepare to take on reigning champions Australia in the World Test Championship WTC final next week.
Despite being a regular force in world cricket, South Africa's only major ICC triumph came in 1998 at the ICC KnockOut, a predecessor to the Champions Trophy. Since then, the Proteas have been plagued by a string of painful exits on the world stage, often dramatically or cruelly.
Their opponents, Australia, head into the Lord's final as firm favourites, boasting a formidable record in global competitions. The top-ranked team has clinched six ODI World Cups, two Champions Trophies, and the T20 World Cup, in addition to their recent WTC title win over India in 2023.
Speaking ahead of the showdown at Lord's, Bavuma acknowledged the contrast in experience. "Australia know what it takes to win, and they've done it before," he said. "But for us, this is about confidence in our capabilities. We earned this final we weren't gifted it."
The 35-year-old captain is determined to write a different script for South Africa this time, saying the clash remains wide open. "We respect them, but it's still 50-50 in our eyes."