South Africa reached the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings with a 109-run win over Sri Lanka. South Africa completed the series whitewash at home and are one win away from qualifying for their first ever WTC final. Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma who made a staggering return to the team after injury was happy to be back with the side. While Bavuma was ecstatic on reaching the summit, he is aware of the challenge Shan Masood-led Pakistan side pose.
"I think we're doing well as a team, no.1 in the WTC table as of now, don't know what'll happen in the future, but we'll celebrate today, in a couple of weeks, we've Pakistan coming up, we'll have to keep our focus on that and continue on our journey," Bavuma said in the post-match presentation.
The Test series will begin on December 26 in Centurion. If South Africa win one Test, they will get direct qualification into WTC final. If they lose the Test series at home, they will have to depend on results of the series between Sri Lanka and Australia.
Bavuma's stellar run against Sri Lanka
Bavuma registered four consecutive fifty-plus scores in the Test series against Sri Lanka. He scored 327 runs from four innings including a century in Durban.
"Firstly, good to be back, was frustrating watching the guys from the sidelines, was good to be amongst them. Was hungry to get back and get the opportunity to be back, happy to have made the most of the opportunities that I got. Durban was tricky on Day 1, conditions overhead, but I just focussed on keeping the scoreboard moving, kept the intent, was fresh mentally and physically and could contribute to the team," said the 34-year-old.
Bavuma lauds coach and players
He credited the batting coach Ashwell Prince for the success. He lauded Marco Jansen and Dane Paterson as well.
"Ashwell talks a lot about taking the opportunities, all of us are really happy for Rickelton who took his chances here. Jansen did well in the first Test, Paterson did well here," the Cape Town-born batter added.
