South Africa finally shed their “chokers” tag and claimed their first-ever ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title with a memorable five-wicket win over Australia at Lord’s. Aiden Markram’s magnificent century, along with key contributions from skipper Temba Bavuma and pacer Kagiso Rabada, powered the Proteas to glory.
This win also marks South Africa’s second ICC trophy after their 1998 ICC Knockout triumph. Meanwhile, the defeat brought an end to Pat Cummins’ golden run as captain, which included the retention of the Ashes, a WTC win in 2023, and the ODI World Cup title over India.
Markram’s Masterclass Seals Victory
Starting day four at 213/2, with 69 runs needed, South Africa lost Bavuma early, dismissed by Cummins for 66. Despite the loss, Markram played calmly, rotating strike and finding occasional boundaries. However, Starc removed Stubbs for just eight, leaving the Proteas at 241/4. Markram, alongside Bedingham, continued to chip away at the target.
Bedingham’s elegant on-drive and Markram’s placement reduced the deficit steadily. Eventually, Markram fell for a well-crafted 136 off 207 balls, bringing the score to 276/5. With just six runs required, Kyle Verreyne hit the winning runs to script history. Starc’s three wickets for Australia went in vain as South Africa chased down the 282-run target.
Australia’s Collapse and South African Comeback
Australia’s second innings collapse played a key role in the result. After managing 212 in their first innings—despite fightbacks from Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72)—Australia bundled out South Africa for 138 in reply, thanks to Cummins’ brilliant 6/28. But the Proteas pacers, led by Rabada (4/59) and Ngidi (3/38), dominated the Aussie top order in the second innings. Batters like Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith, and Head failed, leaving Australia at 73/7.
A late resistance from Starc (58*) and Carey (46) took them to 207, setting a 282-run target. South Africa, starting at 43/4 at one point, staged a remarkable comeback through Bavuma, Bedingham, and the eventual hero Markram. With this win, the Proteas not only captured the WTC mace but also buried decades of near-misses in ICC knockouts.
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