South Africa's thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion earned them the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 final spot. The match was full of drama and tense moments. And South Africa captain Temba Bavuma was sulking in the toilet during those nervy moments and came out only when his team won.
I was still sulking in the toilet: Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma openly expressed his emotional rollercoaster throughout the match. Bavuma candidly admitted to experiencing a surge of emotions during the tense climax. He revealed sulking in the toilet, unable to fully engage with the intensity of the situation until only 15 runs were required for victory.
"Quite an emotional moment for me. Good advert for Test cricket. Lots of joy and happiness on our side, a bit of a rollercoaster. Glad that we were able to get the result. Not much of a conversation. I was still sulking in the toilet. Aiden, leading the boys, tried to keep them positive. I'd like to say there was still confidence and belief in doing (it). I came out when we needed about 15 runs, did not come out fully into the viewing area. It was a tough thing," Bavuma said in the post-match presentation.
WTC final qualification hold immense significance for both Bavuma who also played a part in South Africa's thrilling win in series opener. He acknowledged that South Africa faced a challenging start to the campaign.
"It is a big one. Not just for myself but also the team and the coach. Looking at the way we started our campaign, against India and then New Zealand with a not-so-strong team, and the way we have gone through with our performances...not many gave us a chance. We have overcome a lot. We haven't been ruthless but have found a way to ensure the result was on our side. Today was a testament and speaks to the character of not just this group and South African group," he added.
"We can pick on certain individuals at times but performances like this, give reason to say that these guys are here for a reason and are the best. We will enjoy the moment. I don't know who is going to speak in the changing room," Bavuma concluded.
South Africa 1st to make WTC 2023-2025 final
With this win South Africa became the first team to qualify for the World Test Championship Final (WTC) final.
The hosts entered Day 4 with a strong position, requiring just 121 runs with seven wickets in hand, with captain Temba Bavuma (40) and Aiden Markram (37) at the crease. However, Mohammad Abbas (6/54), ran through the South African batting line-up, picking four early wickets in the first session, shifting the momentum in Pakistan's favor. By the end of the first session, Pakistan needed to bag only two more wickets to clinch victory.
However, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada displayed a determined approach, swiftly accumulating the remaining 32 runs in just 33 balls. Jansen ultimately sealed the victory with a boundary in the 40th over, securing a remarkable win for South Africa.