Temba Bavuma, the captain of the South African cricket team, might not be the most well-known cricketer globally, but he sure has amassed a significant following in Pakistan. This became evident during the electrifying second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between South Africa and New Zealand at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on March 5th.
A Roaring Welcome for Bavuma in Lahore
In that decisive semi-final, luck didn’t side with Bavuma at the coin toss. New Zealand opted to bat first, putting South Africa on the field under the floodlights. The South African bowlers had a rough night as New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson hammered spectacular centuries, propelling their team to a daunting total of 362/6.
When it was South Africa’s turn to bat, Bavuma, making his comeback after an illness, opened the innings alongside the in-form Ryan Rickelton. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the best start for the duo, as Rickelton was dismissed in the fifth over with only 20 runs on the board.
Despite the early setback, Bavuma steadied the ship, initially playing cautiously before finding his rhythm and delighting the crowd with some exquisite boundaries. His performance didn’t go unnoticed by the passionate fans in Lahore, who broke into enthusiastic chants of "Bavuma, Bavuma," resounding throughout the stadium.
Fans Hail Bavuma as Greater Than Kohli
The adoration for Bavuma didn’t stop there. Social media platforms buzzed with excitement, capturing the moment as fans shared clips and their reactions to the iconic chants. One spirited fan even proclaimed Bavuma as "bigger than Kohli," highlighting the admiration and love showered on the South African skipper by the Pakistani crowd.
Recalling the Thrilling 2009 Clash in Centurion
Casting a glance back in time, the last time South Africa and New Zealand clashed in the ICC Champions Trophy was on September 24, 2009, in Centurion. South Africa triumphed in that encounter, winning by five wickets with plenty of balls to spare, thanks to the standout performances of Wayne Parnell and AB de Villiers.
New Zealand had set a modest target of 215 after struggling against the South African attack. Ross Taylor, with 72 runs, was their top performer, supported by Brendon McCullum and Grant Elliott. Parnell was on fire, claiming five wickets for 57 runs, while Roelof van der Merwe and Dale Steyn also kept the pressure on.
South Africa’s chase got off to a shaky start with Graeme Smith falling early, but Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla helped stabilize the innings. It was AB de Villiers who played the match-winning knock, an unbeaten 70 off 76 balls, leading his team to victory with Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel aiding the chase.
The ICC Champions Trophy has always been a stage for memorable cricket moments, and the 2025 semi-final in Lahore added another thrilling chapter to the legacy of Temba Bavuma and international cricket.
