South Africa finally shattered their long-standing ICC trophy drought, claiming their first major title in 27 years with a memorable five-wicket win over Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s on Saturday. This historic victory marks only the second ICC title in the Proteas’ cricketing history, the first since their Champions Trophy triumph in 1998.
Chasing a challenging target of 282 in the fourth innings, South Africa showcased grit, resilience, and nerves of steel. Aiden Markram emerged as the hero with a brilliant 136, anchoring the innings with a calm and calculated approach. Captain Temba Bavuma, battling a hamstring injury, showed immense courage and played a gritty knock of 66, contributing to a 147-run stand for the third wicket that shifted the momentum South Africa’s way.
Beginning Day 4 at 213/2, needing 69 runs to win, South Africa suffered an early blow when Pat Cummins dismissed Bavuma. Tristan Stubbs departed soon after, but Markram held firm, guiding his team over the line to seal the record chase at the iconic venue.
The final, which began on June 11, saw South Africa winning the toss and opting to bowl. Kagiso Rabada led the charge with a fiery spell, reducing the defending champions to 67/4. Steve Smith and debutant Beau Webster added valuable runs, but Rabada returned to wrap up the tail, finishing with 5/58 as Australia folded for 212.
Pat Cummins responded with a five-wicket haul of his own, ripping through South Africa’s top order as the Proteas were skittled for 138, giving Australia a 74-run first-innings lead.
Australia’s second innings didn’t fare much better. Rabada and Lungi Ngidi struck repeatedly to leave the Aussies reeling at 132/8. A resilient 59-run last-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc (58*) and Josh Hazlewood pushed Australia to 191, setting a target of 282.
Rabada was instrumental once again with match figures of 9/98, while Ngidi chipped in with three key wickets.
Despite early nerves, South Africa’s second innings was defined by discipline and grit. Markram’s defining ton and Bavuma’s brave leadership ensured a remarkable triumph, finally putting to rest decades of near-misses and heartbreaks in ICC tournaments.
