"No praise is enough for the lord Temba Bavuma" - Fans erupt as skipper battles injury to score fighting 65* in SA vs AUS WTC 2025 final
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma led from the front when his team needed him the most in the second innings of the WTC 2025 final against Australia. The third day of the Test at the Lord's in London happened on Friday, June 13. After a promising 36 in the first essay, he scored an unbeaten 65 off 121 balls in the second innings. His knock helped his team stay right on track in a 282-run chase against the Aussies.
The 35-year-old sustained a hamstring injury minutes after he walked out to bat, but continued his fight despite limping while running between the wickets. Bavuma has now shared an unbeaten 143-run partnership with centurion Aiden Markram to resurrect his team from 70/2 as they look to script history.
Fans on X lauded Temba Bavuma for his gritty knock against Australia in the fourth innings. One user tried to be poetic, writing:
"Who is Temba Bavuma? For the blind, Bavuma is the light. For the hungry, Bavuma is the bread. For the thirsty, Bavuma is the fountain. For the sick, Bavuma is the cure. For the prisoner, Bavuma is freedom. For the liar, Bavuma is the truth. For the traveler, Bavuma is the way."
Another user commented:
"He was mocked for his height. He was mocked for his looks. He was called Quota Product. He was abused. He was insulted. Today, He brought South Africa within inches of an ICC trophy despite battling with a hamstring. Temba Bavuma, the greatest to lead South Africa."
A third user added:
"I knew Temba is a GOAT but didn't know he is such a Bavuma... Love you man."
Here are a few more reactions:
Temba Bavuma is yet to lose a Test match as captain
Temba Bavuma has not lost a Test match as skipper, having won eight games and drawn one. He will be keen to continue his track record as the Proteas aim to become the third side to win the WTC title after New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023). However, Pat Cummins and company have a chance to win back-to-back trophies if they defend 68 runs on Day 4.
At stumps on Day 3, SA were 213/2, with Markram (102* off 159) and Bavuma (65* off 121) at the crease. They need 69 more runs to win the match. Mitchell Starc has been the pick of the bowlers for Australia, dismissing Ryan Rickelton (6) and Wiaan Mulder (27).
Follow the SA vs AUS WTC 2025 final live score and updates here.