Temba Bavuma-led South Africa conquer Lord’s, and with it, the world ©Getty
The South African supporters in the Grand Stand were filled with excitement, cheering and singing as soon as Kyle Verreynne hit the winning run. Their enthusiasm remained high throughout Saturday morning, culminating in a vibrant rendition of their favorite song just moments before the presentation ceremony.
“Ohhhhh Temmbaaa Bavvuuuumaaa…” resonated through Lord’s. Temba Bavuma, the captain honored by the cheering crowd, looked stunned as he tried to grasp the magnitude of his achievement—becoming the first captain to lead South Africa to a world championship in cricket.
Bavuma’s reaction mirrored his overall demeanor throughout the celebrations. After spending a significant amount of time in the dressing room during the tense final moments, he finally took his place on the balcony as the last few runs were scored.
While the atmosphere around him was charged with anticipation, Bavuma remained composed, his expression largely blank as he kept his eyes covered with his hands. He didn’t allow himself to celebrate prematurely, despite South Africa only needing a few runs to claim victory.
When Verreynne finally secured victory, Bavuma buried his head in his hands, grappling with the reality of breaking the long-standing curse of South African cricket and the associated disappointments he’d faced as captain. However, once the team and reserve players rushed onto the field, his elation began to surface, leading to tears of joy.
As the celebration continued, Bavuma transitioned from a reflective state to one of joy, standing with teammates and savoring the moment they finally achieved their historical victory. It was a monumental occasion for South African cricket, marking a shift from years of frustration to a newfound sense of triumph.
