'I think winning the final' - Temba Bavuma on South Africa prioritising WTC over Test ranking

South Africa and Australia are locked at 1-1 in their three-match Test series, with the decider set for Newlands in Cape Town. Australia secured a commanding 214-run victory in the opening Test at Durban, while the Proteas responded emphatically at Gqeberha, defeating the visitors by an innings and 31 runs to level the contest. Both teams sit in contention for the World Test Championship, making the final encounter carry significant weight for their respective ambitions.

Ahead of the decisive match, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma addressed whether he would prefer to finish as the world's top-ranked Test team or secure another WTC title. The Proteas skipper made his preference clear when asked to choose between reaching the summit of Test rankings and lifting the WTC mace for a second time, backing another championship triumph over individual rankings.

"I think winning the final. Yeah, I definitely think winning the final," Bavuma said in press conference as quoted by Cricket Times.

Why does Bavuma prioritise the WTC trophy over Test rankings?

The South African captain elaborated on why the experience of winning a championship final holds greater value than rankings alone. According to Bavuma, the occasion itself, the pressure involved and the opportunity to deliver a performance on the biggest stage make it particularly meaningful. He explained that a World Test Championship final carries an intangible quality that transcends statistical rankings.

"There’s just a little bit more to it. Yeah, you go there; you’re at Lord’s, you’re playing. It’s a once-off game. You have to play at your best. I feel like there’s a little bit more to it than that from a sentiment point of view," Bavuma said.

South Africa are the reigning WTC champions after defeating Australia in the 2025 WTC Final. A victory in the series decider at Cape Town would elevate South Africa to the top of the Test rankings while also keeping their path to another WTC title alive. Bavuma has won 12 of his 14 Tests as captain, maintaining an impressive 85.71 per cent win rate.