South Africa lifted their maiden ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title, pulling off a sensational five-wicket win over Australia at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Powered by a magnificent second-innings century from Aiden Markram and a gutsy knock from skipper Temba Bavuma, the Proteas scripted a memorable comeback to etch their name into Test cricket history.
Markram’s Masterclass Secures Glory
After a disappointing duck in the first innings, Aiden Markram produced one of the most memorable innings of his career, scoring a match-defining 136 runs. He steered South Africa through nervy moments, guiding them close to the 282-run target before falling with just six runs required.
“Lord’s is a dream for every Test cricketer. These are the innings people remember,” said Markram post-match. His calm under pressure was lauded by teammate Marco Jansen, who called it “un-fricking-believable.”
How the Final Unfolded: A Rollercoaster Encounter
Australia 1st Innings: 212 all out
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Beau Webster: 72
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Steve Smith: 66
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Kagiso Rabada: 5/47
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Marco Jansen: 3/34
South Africa 1st Innings: 138 all out
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David Bedingham: 45
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Temba Bavuma: 36
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Pat Cummins: 4 wickets
Australia 2nd Innings: 207 all out
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Mitchell Starc: 58
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Alex Carey: 43
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Lungi Ngidi: 4/50
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Keshav Maharaj: 3/48
South Africa 2nd Innings: 282/5 (Target: 282)
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Aiden Markram: 136
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Temba Bavuma: 66 (retired hurt, then dismissed)
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Tristan Stubbs: 8 (dismissed by Mitchell Starc)
Captain Courageous: Bavuma Leads From the Front
Despite battling a hamstring injury sustained on Day 3, Bavuma chose to continue batting on Day 4 and added 60 more runs before his dismissal. His grit and leadership were key in stabilizing the innings and inspiring the team.
Rabada’s Roar
Pacer Kagiso Rabada, who took a five-wicket haul in the first innings, was overjoyed after the win.
“It’s hard to put into words. People questioned our journey, but this proves our mettle. We had to be at our best to beat Australia,” said Rabada.
He also credited the South African fans in the stands:
“It felt like a home game.”
A Historic Win
This victory marks South Africa’s first-ever ICC Test Championship title, and their first major ICC trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy. It is especially sweet given the team’s underdog status heading into the final, with critics questioning the strength of their earlier opponents.
