AB de Villiers backs Proteas to 'go all the way and win the WTC Final'

The journey of South Africa in the ongoing 2023-25 cycle of the World Test Championship has been nothing short of commendable. In the 12 games they played, they managed to emerge victorious in eight of them. A narrow two-wicket victory in the first Test of the two-match series confirmed the Proteas' berth in the final, scheduled to be played at Lord's in London, starting June 11.

Former South African legend, AB de Villiers, acknowledged Australia having the upper hand, but did not fail to praise the South African unit.

"There's no doubt that Australia are the favourites. The Proteas have done exceptionally well, showing they are playing a positive brand of cricket and going for results. I love that about them. Credit must go to the players and coaching staff for their approach," shared de Villiers, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

The former wicketkeeper-batter also lavished praise on skipper Temba Bavuma for his personal transformation as a professional - both with the bat and on as a leader of the pack.

"He has taken a lot of criticism over the years. And look at where he is now. Taking the team to the WTC final. Over and above incredible cricketing nations like India, like New Zealand, and England. So, great achievement. But yes, the reason why they are not favourites is they are still very inexperienced. They have not travelled to places like England of late. They have not been to Australia," he added.

Also Read: Don't think South Africa go in as favourites for WTC Final 2025: Shaun Pollock

They're a bunch of fighters, says de Villiers

The former South Africa international backed his nation to emerge victorious in clinching the coveted silverware.

"I will never write my team off. They are a bunch of fighters. And Temba mentioned this in the press conference. He said, 'I will take this team to war'. Because I know they are going to fight for each other. So, that is all you want. If you have that kind of attitude, you can achieve anything. And I will back the guys to go all the way and win this WTC final," he noted.

It is important to note that South Africa finished sixth and third in the previous two cycles of the WTC, respectively. They have certainly improved their showings in the red-ball format, and the clash against Australia will be a cracking contest to witness.