On June 14, 2025, South Africa created history by winning their maiden ICC World Test Championship title, defeating the tournament favorites Australia by five wickets at the Lord's. The Proteas fans all around the world cherished this euphoric moment, as this was South Africa's first ICC title win since 1998. In the process, they also became only the third team to win a WTC title. 

Temba and Co. achieved a monumental feat in world cricket, a feat which has eluded them for several decades. After several days of celebrations, it was time for the Proteas team to return home. Upon arrival, the team received a hero's welcome and was greeted by happy supporters. The live visuals of their arrival were captured on camera and have immediately become viral online. 

See also: South Africa strengthen bid for 2025 WTC Final at lord's with commanding victory

South African cricket team touches down for the first time since the WTC win

The South African team landed at the OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg on June 18. The skipper, Temba Bavuma, led the way, posing with the prestigious Test mace. After taking a few steps, he briefly stopped for a photo shoot along with the mace. His coach, Shukri Conrad, joined him shortly after, and the duo jointly lifted the mace together for the photo shoot. At the time of the coverage, the broadcaster expressed his delight and mentioned how big of an achievement this has been for the South African Test side. 

WTC WINNER SOUTH AFRICA HAVE ARRIVED HOME. 🏆pic.twitter.com/lvVMfdA7zc

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 18, 2025

The WTC 2025 Final triumph has ended decades of heartbreak and misery for the South African side. Despite being a quality side, South Africa would often stumble in the knockout stage. But after years of perseverance, that WTC mace must feel extra special in their hands. 

The glorious WTC title win will inspire a new generation of Proteas players and fans alike. South Africa are scheduled to play a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe starting on June 28. This series will comprise their first Test assignment of the WTC 2025-27 cycle.