Temba Bavuma and the South African cricket team had every reason to celebrate after scripting a memorable victory over Australia in the third and final Test at Newlands in Cape Town. The Proteas registered a commanding 176-run win to clinch the three-match series 2-1 and become the No. 1-ranked Test team in the world.
The celebrations after the final wicket captured the emotions inside the South African dressing room, with captain Bavuma and his teammates sharing heartfelt moments following a remarkable achievement. A video of the celebrations has also been circulating on social media, showing the players celebrating their return to the summit of Test cricket.
South Africa complete remarkable turnaround against Australia
The series victory was particularly special considering how South Africa started the contest. Australia won the opening Test by 214 runs in Durban, putting the visitors in a strong position to take the series.
However, Bavuma’s men responded brilliantly, winning the second Test in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs before producing another outstanding performance in Cape Town.
In the series decider, South Africa recovered from a first-innings deficit of 100 runs, thanks to magnificent centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder. Their partnership helped the hosts set Australia a challenging target of 288 runs.
Australia’s batting lineup failed to withstand the pressure on the final day and was dismissed for just 111 runs.
Simon Harmer and Kagiso Rabada headline historic victory
Simon Harmer was the standout performer with the ball, producing sensational figures of 6/16 in Australia’s second innings. He also completed his first 10-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing the match with figures of 10/120.
Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada picked up three wickets and reached the landmark of 350 Test wickets. He became the fastest bowler in history to reach the milestone in terms of deliveries bowled, achieving it in just 13,808 balls.
South Africa return to the top after a decade
The victory helped South Africa overtake Australia to become the world’s No. 1 Test team for the first time since January 2016.
For Bavuma, his teammates and millions of South African supporters, the achievement represents years of hard work, perseverance and belief.
The emotional celebrations at Newlands were a fitting reflection of what the historic series triumph meant to the entire team.
