Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa, who created history by winning the World Test Championship final (WTC Final 2025) by defeating Australia after an intense battle at Lord's. Unlike many other cricketers in the cricket world, the 35-year-old's life has been different in many ways.

From childhood days to the senior cricket level, Bavuma's life is filled with struggles and hard work. Years back, the South Africa cricket team did not used to be like this now. Being a Black African community, Bavuma had to fight with the barriers of society. After the WTC triumph of South Africa, Sky Sports Cricket discovered the area, the ground, and the narrow alleys where a little Temba Bavuma used to play cricket with his friends.

Like before, the crossroad, where Bavuma played cricket, is surrounded by houses and structures, which were not allowed to be hit by the ball. So, he had to play only shots close to the ground. From there, Temba came to learn about the copybook cricket shots like cover drive, straight drive, or cut shot.

Read More: Multiple injury crisis for India ahead of ENG vs IND series, BCCI announce replacements

Watch, from where Temba Bavuma has started his journey

When Michael Atherton visited Langa, the township where Temba Bavuma started his cricketing career 🏏 pic.twitter.com/IsbqrWWE37

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 16, 2025

At the age of 3, the little boy first batted on the community ground, which is known as the Langa Cricket Club ground. The jersey Temba used to play in during his early days is now preserved in the club's pavilion. 

It is known that Langa is a township in Cape Town, South Africa, known as the oldest township in the city, which was established in 1927. It was initially created as a segregated residential area for Black Africans under the Apartheid regime's Urban Areas Act. The meaning of Langa in 'Sun' and Temba Bavuma is one of the brightest names from the community. 

Day one of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s had everything swing, wickets, and tension as 14 wickets tumbled in a gripping day of Test cricket. Australia were bowled out for just 212, with South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada leading the charge with a brilliant five-wicket haul.

Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) steadied Australia after they were reduced to 67/4, stitching together a crucial 79-run stand. But once that partnership was broken, the Aussie lower order collapsed, losing the last five wickets for only 18 runs. Rabada, playing his first match since serving a short ban, was at his fiery best and passed the great Allan Donald to become South Africa’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test history.

South Africa, however, couldn’t capitalise with the bat. Under the evening sun, Mitchell Starc bowled a beauty to dismiss Markram for a duck, while Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder followed soon after. Captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood joined the party as South Africa crumbled to 35/4 by stumps.

Earlier in the day, Rabada removed Khawaja with a peach of a delivery before striking again in the same over to send back Green. Labuschagne and Head also fell cheaply, with Jansen and Verreynne combining to remove them. Smith looked composed and in good touch, but a risky shot off part-time spinner Markram cost him his wicket just when he looked set for a century. Webster followed not long after, edging Rabada to the slips.

Though Australia’s batting stumbled, their pace bowlers brought them right back into the contest. With South Africa four down and two new batters at the crease, day two is set up perfectly for another cracking chapter in this Test final.

ALSO READ: AUS vs WI: West Indies name Test squad for Australia tour with new captain at Helm

Fans reactions after 14 wickets fell on Day 1 of WTC Final between South Africa and Australia

- 78.4 Overs.
- 255 Runs.
- 14 Wickets.
- Australia 212/10.
- South Africa - 43/4.
- Five wickets haul by Kagiso Rabada.
- Peach of spells by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
- Solid fifties by Smith & Webster.

WTC Final is peaking on Day 1 already.#AUSvsSA #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/qiNdMYsa4o

— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) June 11, 2025

14 wickets fell on the first day, imagine if this was played on th3 subcontinent pitches pic.twitter.com/qp0LdAEFXr

— aftab (@aftabsays_) June 11, 2025

South Africa really messed it up well and surely no way they are coming back from here if they do it’s absolutely soul wrenching to watch an absolute cinema !!! #WTC2O25Final #AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/VXABDWYwNP

— J (@butterchicken96) June 11, 2025

WTC Final | Day 1 Stumps

An excellent day of cricket.
Day 1 of the WTC Final between South Africa & Australia did not disappoint!😃🤯

Rabada and Jansen ripped through the Australian batsmen with ball in hand, as the former finished with figures of 5/51. Proteas went in to bat… pic.twitter.com/YsO7IAvgmL

— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) June 11, 2025

Disaster Strikes for South Africa! 😱

Day 1 ends with the Proteas reeling at 43/4, still trailing by 169 runs in the WTC Final 2025.

The Australian pacers unleashed relentless aggression, turning the grand finale at Lord’s into a horror show for South Africa.

Sheer dominance… pic.twitter.com/EHa4lw9w1n

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 11, 2025

STUMPS - Day 1 🇿🇦🏏🇦🇺

14 wickets on the first day!

Proteas end the day reeling on 43/4 (22 overs) trailing by 169 runs.

Mitchell Starc dismissed openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickleton, solitary strikes by Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins. #Proteas #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/FvUfWtws0m

— Ayanda Nyuswa (@atnyuswa) June 11, 2025

𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟏: 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐒! 🏏

South Africa finishes Day 1 at 43/4, still trailing by 169 runs at Lord’s. 🇿🇦🤍

Mitchell Starc shines with two key wickets for Australia! 🇦🇺🔥#AUSvSA #WTCFinal #MitchellStarc pic.twitter.com/JEDxqZ7Nee

— Root Jaiswal (@JaiswalRoot) June 11, 2025

Lovely day of test cricket but just imagine the moaning from english and Australia journalists if 14 wickets fell on Day 1 of a WTC Final in India

— Meet (@raut_meeet) June 11, 2025

South Africa is in hope to witness a new sun in the morning sky after the conclusion of the World Test Championship final (WTC Final), which they are set to play against Australia from June 11 at Lord's, England. Former South Africa batter and coach Mark Boucher believes that this South Africa team has the capability to start a new chapter in Test cricket. 

In ICC tournaments, South Africa always possessed threats to their competitors, but, unfortunately, they never came in first place to win any major ICC title. In the recent past, South Africa fell short against India in the ICC T20I World Cup final. Due to repeated failures in ICC events, the team attracted the label 'chokers.' Boucher has a strong belief that his team can break the jinx and can start a new dawn in the longest format of Test cricket. The former cricketer wants to win the WTC title for his country so that a huge number of people can feel more attraction towards the 5-day format. 

Before the final starts, a lot of people have started to bet on Australia because of South Africa's series of heartbreaks in the past. Reflecting on the matter, Mark thinks that they have reached the final because they defeated a number of strong oppositions and gained an ample amount of confidence to win the final match as well. 

Read more: WATCH: India's first practice session ahead of much awaited England series

Boucher wants to keep his attitude positive 

"A lot of people have criticized South Africa, which is not really fair. You play what's in front of you, and with all due respect, the sides that we've played against, we probably should have beaten, and we've done that. So we find ourselves in a final. But I wouldn't say that it has got the crowds going in our country,” Boucher said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"Everyone's very excited about it now. As the opportunity arises, a lot of people are going to travel over to London, spend all their rands, and go watch what should be a good match. If we win it, I think then that could be the turnaround for Test cricket in our country," he added.

Thursday morning starts with good news for IPL teams that are still in the race to get a chance in the playoffs. The revised IPL 2025 schedule pushed the previously settled dates behind, which left the franchises with an uncertainty about the availability of several overseas players.

South Africa and Australia announced their respective squads for the forthcoming World Test Championship Finale (WTC Final), where multiple star players who are associated with Indian Premier League teams need to leave India to join their respective national camps for preparations.

The WTC final is scheduled to start on June 11 in London, for which Australia and South Africa's cricket governing boards will arrange their practice sessions days before the showdown. On the other hand, IPL 2025 will resume on May 17, and the final match will be held on June 3.

Read More: WATCH: James Anderson heap praises Virat Kohli as fiercest competitor

It is assumed that the South African and Australian players who are in the WTC squad can leave India before that, though things are not clear enough. According to some fresh reports, the SA cricket board can start their WTC preparations on June 3, the same for the IPL 2025 final.

The final call yet to come

If the reports are to be believed, then the players from those nations can miss the final of the Indian Premier League, but perhaps they can be available for the rest of the group and play-off fixtures. Along with this, it'll be interesting to see when the South African players will go to take their flights to North London. The last match of the playoffs is scheduled for June 1. If South Africa starts their preparations on June 3, there will be high chances for Protean cricketers to leave India before June 1, the date for the last playoff match. 

SA squad for WTC final: Temba Bavuma (capt.), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.

In an inspiring display of talent and tenacity, a rising star has marked his arrival on the international scene with a 150 runs on ODI debut. In Lahore, against the bowling line of New Zealand . Matthew Breetzke has proved himself ready to take on the best in the world.

A Debut to Remember:

In his ODI debut against New Zealand, LSG player proved that he's a hard hitter at the top level of cricket. Matthew Breetzke played his innings against some of the world's best bowlers and made an impressive knock of 150 runs from 148 balls. That brilliant knock was the turner for his team and showed how the player can play under pressure and in big games.

ALSO SEE :  IPL 2025: Suresh Raina Confirms ,who will Lead RCB check it out!

MATTHEW BREETZKE, TAKE A BOW 🫡

- 150 runs from 148 balls on his ODI Debut against Matt Henry & co at Lahore...!!!!

Waiting for Breetzke in LSG jersey in IPL 2025. pic.twitter.com/pCkF79WLky

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 10, 2025

Next for Matthew Breetzke in IPL 2025 !

This exceptional ODI display sets the foundation for much greater things. In his vision going forward, people will look toward his IPL 2025 adventure with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The batting that he displays at international level is going to ensure him as a big-ticket player for LSG in this season. The platform offered by the IPL does give one a chance to unleash explosive players, and with this kind of form, he is likely to make a big splash.

Fans want to see how well he will cope in the high-pressure world of the IPL, and if his ODI debut is anything to go by, there's plenty of excitement ahead.

It was one of the most promising and exciting T20 tournaments to ever feature. Featuring top international and domestic cricketers, SA20  league produce great rivalries and record-breaking performances in a bid to culminate in thriller finals over three seasons. Check out the winners, top batsmen, top bowlers, and prize purse winners of 2025.

SA20 champions from 2023-2025:

SA20 2025 Season more details:

ALSO SEE: Legends 90 League 2025 Live streaming Today match details schedule and where and how to watch online and tv

SA20 2025 Top Performers :

SA20 Price Money Distribution:

SA20 Individual Prize Money:

The SA20 league becoming more popular for its attractive world's best cricketers with highly charged games. MI Cape Town took their first title in 2025, and Sunrisers Eastern Cape became champions in first-two seasons as the competition maintained. Hitting ahead, the SA20 is promising more exhilarating moments, record-breaking performances, and exciting new champions in the coming years.

The  SA20 2025 final is all set to be an exciting affair, with the teams MI Cape Town (MICT) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC).The  Cricket fans are eagerly waiting to watch the clash. SEC is successful team in SAT20, won 2 titles back to back.They will try for a hat-trick titles. On onther hand MI Cape Town is fantastic with is team this year.The Cricket fans are eagerly waiting to watch the big clash between best two teams in SAT20 for third season title.

How  Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town Qualified for Finals:

MI Cape and Sunrisers Eastern Cape are ready to take battle in the final of the SA20 2025 .MI Cape finished in group phases top in the points table, from 10 matches won 7 at 35 points.On other hand finished the SEC finished group phases at third place, from 10 matches won 5 at 24 points.
MI Cape Town will enter the final after comfortably beating Paarl Royals by 39 runs in the Qualifier 1 of the SA20 competiton at St. George's Park.
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape, on the other hand, will head into the final after successfully overcoming Joburg Super Kings in the Eliminator clash and powering through the Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2.

Match Details:

Match: SA20 2025 Final between MI Cape Town (MICT) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC).

Date: 8th Feb 2025

Time: 9:00 PM IST

Venue: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.

ALSO SEE: Watch: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 official anthem song "Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke" by Atif Aslam

Pitch Conditions and Weather expected for finals:

The weather expected  clear, and temperatures are around 22°C,expected and It will be a perfect day for cricket. The pitch expected to be generally balanced, which should provide both batsmen and bowlers with something to work and making for an exciting contest in finals.

Live Streaming and Telecast around the world :

India

• Television: Star Sports and Sports18.
• Online Streaming:  Disney+ Hotstar.

Bangladesh

• Online Streaming:  Disney+ Hotstar.
• Television: local sports channel (no official conformation)

Pakistan

• Television: PTV sports.
• Online Streaming:  various local sites.

South Africa

• Television: SuperSport .
• Online Streaming:  DStv Now and Willow TV.

United Kingdom

• Television: Sky Sports .
• Online Streaming:  Sky Go.

Australia

• Television: Fox Cricket .
• Online Streaming:  Kayo Sports.

United States

• Television: Willow TV .
• Online Streaming: Willow TV’s website and app will also allow fans to stream the match.

Canada

• Television: Willow TV .
• Online Streaming: Viewers can stream the match on Willow TV’s platform.

New Zealand

• Television: Sky Sport .
• Online Streaming: Sky Go.

Caribbean

• Television: Flow Sports .
• Online Streaming:  can stream live via Flow Sports’ platform.

Middle East (Africa)

• Television: OSN Sports.
• Online Streaming: OSN's platform will stream.

others countries can also watch in their countries telecast channel.

READ ALSO: CCL 2025: Where & How to Watch the Match online & on tv Live streaming local channels

Match prediction:

This match is high risk to predict,who will be champions. But Sunrisers Eastern Cape has high possibility to win.

Enjoy the big clash in SA20.

In a recent interview, AB de Villiers shared thoughts about a possible return to cricket, bringing excitement to fans. The South African cricketer, known as a legend of the game, is admired for his incredible performances and ability to excel in all formats. Famous for his creative shots, earning him the nickname "360-degree player," de Villiers had an impressive international career that spanned 14 years, from 2004 to 2018, retiring from international cricket at the age of 34. He continued to play in leagues like the IPL until 2021. His recent statement has given fans hope of seeing him back on the field.

AB de Villiers has said that while there's no confirmation yet, he might play cricket again one day. His kids—Abraham, John, and Yente—have been encouraging him to get back into the game. He mentioned that he might join them in the nets and play some casual cricket, but not at the professional level like the IPL or SA tours. De Villiers explained that he’s done with the pressure of high-level cricket and now just wants to enjoy the game with his kids.

Also Read: BCCI Questions Sanju Samson's Commitment: “Why Didn’t You Join the Camp If KCA Asked You To?”

He made it clear that he’s not considering a return to major tournaments like the IPL. Instead, he’s focused on enjoying a more relaxed experience, where he can play without pressure. His aim is to reconnect with his love for cricket in a casual setting, simply for the joy of it.

When you realise you’ve been well and truly stumped by @ABdeVilliers17! I wasn’t expecting this. Don’t miss our full chat:
🎥 https://t.co/6seW3XjMy1
📻 https://t.co/q1nVLTNrat pic.twitter.com/AhTOPRclD2

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) January 21, 2025

In 2024, AB de Villiers was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, and back in 2019, he was named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Decade (2010-2020), alongside cricketing legends like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Dale Steyn, and Ellyse Perry. Throughout his career, de Villiers established himself as one of the game's greatest players. His remarkable record includes the fastest ODI century in 2015 against the West Indies, where he also set the record for the fastest fifty in ODI cricket, achieving it in just 16 balls during the same innings. In total, he scored 22 centuries in Test cricket and 25 in ODIs.

Also Read: Steve Smith sustains an injury to his elbow ahead of the Sri Lanka Tour

AB de Villiers has scored over 20,000 international runs in his career and played 114 Test matches, making him one of the finest cricketers ever. Known for his exceptional skill and versatility, he has an average of over 50 in both Test cricket and ODIs. Throughout his career, he has consistently been regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time due to his remarkable records and match-winning performances across formats.

South Africa Sports Minister Calls for Boycott of Afghanistan in Champions Trophy

McKenzie is an advocate for keeping Afghanistan out of global sports competitions because the country's leaders are violating human rights. Ever since the Taliban took over in August 2021, things have become very bad there. They're greatly reducing what women can do or learn, and people around the world are very angry about it.

McKenzie's remarks are in line with those of British politicians who have urged England to reconsider playing Afghanistan in the tournament. Both England and South Africa are placed in the same group as Afghanistan for the One Day International (ODI) competition. This grouping has amplified calls for both teams to withdraw from fixtures, as the international community pressures countries to take a stand against Afghanistan’s regressive policies towards women. The Champions Trophy, one of the premier events in international cricket, is set to begin next month in Pakistan. As the debate over the boycott continues to gather momentum, it remains to be seen whether other nations will follow suit, demanding action over Afghanistan’s controversial stance on women's rights.

South Africa's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed strong opposition to his country’s scheduled match against Afghanistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 21 in Karachi. McKenzie stated that while the final decision on whether to boycott the fixture lies with the cricketing authorities, he would personally advocate for a boycott if it were up to him.

ALSO READ: 'Don't see Rohit Sharma going to England' - Adam Gilchrist foresees bleak future for the Indian skipper in Test cricket

🚨 SPORTS MINISTER CALLS FOR BOYCOTT IN CT 2025. 🚨

- South African Sports Minister wants South Africa to boycott the match against Afghanistan to take a firm stand with women. pic.twitter.com/TYWh6ZAcw7

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 9, 2025

South Africa's Sports Minister Urges Boycott of Afghanistan in Champions Trophy Over Women's Rights

“It is not for me as the sports minister to make the final decision on whether South Africa should honour cricketing fixtures against Afghanistan. If it was my decision, then it certainly would not happen,” McKenzie said, underscoring his firm stance against Afghanistan's participation in the tournament. Both England and South Africa are placed in the same group as Afghanistan for the One Day International (ODI) competition, leading to growing pressure to withdraw from the fixtures in response to the Taliban government's harsh treatment of women's rights since they regained power in August 2021.

The South African team is set to face Afghanistan in their opening match of the Champions Trophy in Karachi on February 21. McKenzie, reflecting on South Africa's own history of Apartheid, further emphasized the moral dilemma at hand. “As a man who comes from a race that was not allowed equal access to sporting opportunities during Apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to look the other way today when the same is being done towards women anywhere in the world,” he added

This call for action has been echoed by more than 160 British politicians, who have signed a cross-party letter urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott England’s fixture against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26. In response, ECB chief executive Richard Gould has called for a consistent, unified approach from all member nations regarding Afghanistan's involvement in international cricket. Australia is also scheduled to play Afghanistan on February 28 in Lahore. Cricket Australia had previously postponed a bilateral men’s T20 series against Afghanistan in March 2023, citing the deteriorating human rights situation for women and girls under Taliban rule. However, Cricket Australia did play Afghanistan in both the 2023 ICC Men's World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup in June. 

Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird defended his organization’s stance last month, stating that they were "very proud of the position we’ve taken." Despite facing accusations of hypocrisy, he reiterated that they were standing by their decision to take a firm stand on the issue. As the Champions Trophy draws near, the debate over Afghanistan’s participation continues to intensify, with more nations being urged to make their stance clear on the matter.

As we fast approach the kick-off of the third SA20 edition on January 9, former Proteas great and ongoing SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith voiced his displeasure regarding the existence of several lucrative T20 franchise leagues. He opines that the existence of such leagues does more harm than good to the game. 

Most notable of them all is the ILT20 which is expected to commence on January 11. The UAE-based T20 franchise league is set to directly have a clash with SA20. The former South African captain argued that the SA20 offers a lot in driving the standards of the South African domestic cricket system to a respectable standard unlike the ILT20, whose popularity revolves solely around the existence of foreign players.  

See also: Watch: N Jagadeesan blasts a 29-run over against Rajasthan

So what sets SA20 apart from ILT20?

SA20 has taken a leave out of IPL's book wherein it is allowed to have a maximum of four overseas players in the playing eleven. But the picture is a lot different when we talk about team combinations in the ILT20. In this league, a team is allowed to field a maximum of nine international players in a lineup. In addition, all six SA20 squads are restricted to 19 players, must contain a minimum of 11 South African players, and international places in the squads are limited to seven. This stands in sharp contrast with the ILT20 wherein at least two UAE players are included in the playing XI and four in the squad overall.

Smith stresses that this very philosophy sets SA20 apart from the rest of the other leagues including the ILT20. His main goal is to drive the upliftment and growth of South African domestic players and wants the local players to be closely involved with this league. 

"We see ourselves as very different to the ILT20. We're a South African league, with a majority of South African players and our ultimate goal is to benefit South African players."

Furthermore, he openly criticizes ILT20 and highlights their core issue of not incorporating adequate home-grown players into the tournament. Measures like these can prove detrimental and can hurt the global perception of the game.

"We've been built up against ILT20, so it's very difficult for me to not come across like I'm bad-mouthing them, but I do feel like a league like that is not good for the game; that there's that many international players required to build a team; there's no investment back into local cricket. That is a challenge for the world game and something that needs to be managed going forward."

Smith's long-term vision for SA20 and domestic cricket

For Smith, SA20 is all about offering a platform where both local and international players are given their fair share of chances to shine on the big stage.  Being a full-member nation, prioritizing the global aspect of the league comes first but at the same time, they can't overlook the aspect of nurturing the local players and the domestic system.

Smith is focused on building SA20 to the point where it is recognized as one of the biggest leagues outside the IPL. The marquee event has attracted several high-profile talents from different corners of the world and the quality of cricket has been top-notch ever since its inception in 2023 thus attracting huge chunks of crowd.