Mumbai: After 2 quarter-finals, 12 semi-finals, and one unforgettable final, South Africa have finally etched their name into cricketing history. On a sun-drenched afternoon at Lord’s, the Proteas conquered their demons and the mighty Australians to win their first ICC tournament in 27 long years — lifting the World Test Championship mace in dramatic fashion.
Led by Aiden Markram’s stoic unbeaten century and guided by the resilience of skipper Temba Bavuma, South Africa scripted a comeback for the ages. Chasing 282 — a daunting target on a pitch that had already seen 28 wickets fall in two days — South Africa showed nerves of steel, determination, and poise to cross the finish line, sparking scenes of unfiltered emotion across the historic venue.
The Defining Stand
It was during the second session of Day 3 that the tide turned. Markram and Bavuma stitched together a defiant partnership, absorbing relentless pressure from a charged-up Australian pace attack. The pair ticked along cautiously, refusing to take risks on a deteriorating surface. Their partnership built the foundation for the unthinkable.
On Day 4, needing 69 runs with 5 wickets in hand, South Africa resumed with hope. Australia struck early — Pat Cummins dismissed Bavuma with a sharp delivery that found the edge — and tension filled the Lord’s air. But Markram, overnight on 102*, remained resolute. Despite a fiery spell from Mitchell Starc, who clean bowled Tristan Stubbs with a stunning seam delivery, Markram endured.
He found able support in Kyle Verreynne, who calmly soaked in the pressure before hitting the winning runs — a moment that unleashed 27 years’ worth of pain and promise.
A Nation Rejoices
As the ball crossed the boundary, South African players stormed onto the hallowed turf. Emotions overflowed. Spinner Keshav Maharaj wept. Former captain Graeme Smith wiped his eyes. In the stands, AB de Villiers embraced his sons. And from the Lord’s balcony, a teary-eyed Bavuma — South Africa’s first Black Test captain — took in the enormity of what had just unfolded.
“This win is not just ours,” said Bavuma later. “It belongs to every South African who has waited, believed, and stood by us.”
The Journey Wasn’t Easy
The final had all the makings of heartbreak — again. South Africa were bowled out for just 138 in the first innings, with Markram dismissed for a 6-ball duck. Australia, led by Mitchell Starc’s unbeaten 58, piled on 207 in the second innings to set a towering target. But it was David Bedingham’s crucial 45-run knock and Kagiso Rabada’s 5-wicket haul in the second innings — his 9th wicket of the match — that kept the Proteas alive.
Still, the odds were firmly stacked against them.
Markram, however, had different ideas. Having faltered in crucial ICC matches before, South Africa had been labeled ‘chokers’ — especially after their infamous loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final from a winning position. This time, they flipped the script.
A Win That Changes Everything
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, fought till the very end. But for the first time under Cummins’ captaincy, they faltered in an ICC tournament final — a testament to the unshakable resolve shown by South Africa.
This win is more than just a trophy. It is redemption, validation, and a rebirth of belief. For a team burdened by history and haunted by near-misses, this victory at Lord’s is a clarion call for a new era in South African cricket.
From being perennial semi-finalists to standing atop the world, South Africa’s climb has been steep — but on June 14, they finally reached the summit.
Score Summary:
- Australia 1st Innings: 212
- South Africa 1st Innings: 138
- Australia 2nd Innings: 207 (Starc 58*)
- South Africa 2nd Innings: 282/6 (Markram 141*, Bavuma 56)
Result: South Africa won by 4 wickets
Player of the Match: Aiden Markram
Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
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