After decades of near-misses and heartbreaks in international tournaments, South Africa finally ended its ICC trophy drought with a historic five-wicket win over Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s on Saturday.
Chasing 282 in the fourth innings, Aiden Markram’s composed 136 and Temba Bavuma’s gritty 66 helped the Proteas overcome the nerves that have often haunted them on the big stage. This is their first ICC title since the 1998 Knockout Trophy, ending a 27-year wait.
The match had its share of drama. After bowling out Australia for 212 in the first innings, South Africa collapsed for 138, giving Australia a 74-run lead. But a fightback led by Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi in Australia’s second innings set up the chase. Despite Mitchell Starc’s 58 not out and a record tenth-wicket stand with Josh Hazlewood, Australia could only set a target of 282.
Markram remained unshaken in the chase, while Bavuma—battling a hamstring injury—stood firm alongside him until the final stretch. After brief hiccups on Day 4, David Bedingham (21)* saw South Africa over the finish line with Markram.
This victory is being hailed as a turning point for South African cricket, which has suffered multiple heartbreaks in ICC tournaments, including the 1999, 2007, 2015, and 2023 World Cup semi-finals, and most recently, the 2024 T20 World Cup final loss to India.
“This win is for every South African who believed, despite the setbacks,” Bavuma said in the post-match presentation. “It’s a moment we will cherish forever.”
Cricket fans across the country erupted in celebration as the “chokers” tag was finally buried at the iconic Lord’s—a fitting stage for redemption.
