After years of near-misses in ICC knockouts, South Africa now have their eyes on history as they prepare to face Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s from June 11. The Proteas bounced back strongly after a shaky start to the WTC 2023-25 cycle, losing three of their first four Tests. However, they turned things around with consistent performances to top the table with eight wins and 100 points.

South Africa’s campaign kicked off at home against India, splitting the series 1-1. Dean Elgar’s 185 and a dominant pace attack gave them a crushing win in the first Test, while India hit back in Cape Town after collapsing SA’s batting lineup. Elgar retired after the series.

The away tour to New Zealand was a setback. Fielding a second-string side, SA lost 0-2. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson’s heroics overshadowed performances from Bedingham and Piedt, who still managed individual highs.

In the Caribbean, South Africa fought back. A drawn first Test was followed by a thrilling 40-run win in the second. Wiaan Mulder starred with both bat and ball, while Keshav Maharaj claimed the Player of the Series award with 13 wickets.

Bangladesh proved a happy hunting ground as SA swept the series 2-0. Rabada was sensational with 14 wickets, while de Zorzi and Kyle Verreynne impressed with the bat. This marked SA’s first Test series win in Asia in a decade.

Back home, South Africa dominated Sri Lanka with back-to-back wins. Marco Jansen and Dane Paterson spearheaded the bowling unit, while Bavuma led with the bat, earning Player of the Series honours.

The final series before the WTC Final saw SA edge Pakistan 2-0. A nervy two-wicket win at Centurion was followed by a crushing 10-wicket triumph in Cape Town, featuring a career-best 259* from Ryan Rickelton.

Key performers include Kagiso Rabada, who took 47 wickets in 10 matches, and David Bedingham, SA’s top scorer with 645 runs. Skipper Temba Bavuma also played a key role, scoring 609 runs in seven games.

Now, with momentum on their side and a balanced squad, South Africa will aim to end decades of ICC heartbreak and finally claim their first global title at the "Ultimate Test".

Source: Times of India.