Bravo, Bavuma’s boys

In sports, being called a choker is like being told you’re good, but you panic when it really counts. Sadly, for many years, South Africa’s cricket team was known for just that. They often lost big matches not because they weren’t strong, but because they got nervous at the worst moments. From a silly run-out in the 1999 World Cup to a surprising loss in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, it felt like South Africa always fell just short.

But that changed in a big way during the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in England. South Africa played against Australia, one of the toughest teams out there. Everyone expected Australia to win. But South Africa, led by brave captain Temba Bavuma, showed heart, patience, and amazing skill.

Aiden Markram scored a brilliant 136 runs. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took 9 wickets in the match! And even though captain Bavuma was injured, he still scored a fighting 66 runs, inspiring his team to victory. This time, South Africa didn’t choke—they became Test champions.

This win means a lot to their country, which has its own struggles. And it also shows what young teams like India’s can learn:

• Be calm under pressure
  
• Believe in your team
  
• Play with patience and fight till the end
  

India’s young captain Shubman Gill and his team will face big tests in England. If they learn from South Africa’s courage and cool thinking, they might just surprise everyone too.

END OF ARTICLE