Temba Bavuma has one of the most excellent Test captaincy records since taking over in early 2023. In 13 Test matches as captain, Temba Bavuma has led South Africa to 11 triumphs, one loss against Australia in Durban, and one draw against the West Indies in Port of Spain. His win rate is one of the highest for any active Test skipper.
The apex of his reign came when South Africa won the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 under his leadership, a historic victory for the team and a watershed moment in Temba Bavuma captaincy career.
What is Temba Bavuma batting record as a test captain?
Throughout his captaincy, Temba Bavuma has consistently scored runs to support his leadership. He has 1,017 runs as Test captain at an average of 48.42, with three centuries and six fifties. His highest score as Test captain is 172, demonstrating his ability to make game-changing contributions when his team needs them the most.
An average of 48.42 in his 13 matches as captain indicates consistent performance at the highest level while carrying the added burden of leading the team. These stats position Bavuma among the most productive batting captains in modern South African Test history, as he balanced consistent run-scoring with on-field leadership responsibilities during his tenure.
Here’s the table that summarizes the match results:
| Result | Count | Details / Opponent |
| Matches | 13 | Total |
| Won | 11 | — |
| Lost | 1 | v Australia in Durban |
| Drawn | 1 | v West Indies in Port of Spain |
What happened during Temba Bavuma first Test loss as captain?
Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs and leads the series 1-0. Powered by Matt Renshaw’s 190 and 82 in the second innings, Australia declared at 314/6, setting South Africa a difficult goal.
South Africa were bowled out for 206, despite Aiden Markram’s tenacious 75 (237) and Wiaan Mulder’s 29. A key 45-run stand between Markram and Marco Jansen (35) provided some optimism, but once broken, South Africa lost their last four wickets for just 5 runs.
Also Read : MS Dhoni’s IPL Return: CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan Says ‘I Have a Feeling’
Josh Hazlewood sparked the collapse with a career-best 6/49 (his 15th Test five-wicket haul), while Player of the Match Renshaw contributed 2/39.
