South Africa's cricket team makes history by winning the World Test Championship against Australia at Lord's.
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In a thrilling showdown, South Africa has finally clinched a major ICC title, defeating Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) final held at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. This victory not only ends a 27-year title drought but also ignites a wave of jubilation among players and fans alike.
The decisive moments
With only 29 runs needed before lunch on Saturday, the Proteas stormed to victory, wrapping up the match with more than a day and a half to spare. The atmosphere was electric, with fans erupting in celebration as their team achieved a remarkable feat: chasing down 282 runs, marking it as the second-highest successful run chase in the history of Test cricket at this iconic venue.
As the day unfolded, South Africa transitioned from a precarious overnight score of 213-2 to 282-5. Despite Australia’s relentless bowling attack, which sought to undermine South Africa’s composure, the Proteas displayed remarkable resilience. They navigated the pressure with only three boundaries in over two hours, showing a strategic approach that paid off.
Emotional reflections
After the match, an emotional Keshav Maharaj expressed the significance of this win. “We’ve come a long way as a team, as a country. After 27 years of pain, to finally get over the line is super emotional,” he said, fighting back tears. Maharaj acknowledged the leadership of captain Temba Bavuma and the importance of diversity in their success, reflecting on how this victory could unite the nation even further.
Australia’s relentless fight
The Australian team, determined to defend their title, utilized all three reviews within the first 90 minutes, yet their efforts were in vain against a flat pitch that favored South Africa. Markram was the standout player for the Proteas, resuming play on 102 and finishing with 136 runs, just six runs shy of victory when he was caught out. His six hours and 23 minutes at the crease were pivotal in tilting the balance in South Africa’s favor.
As the match drew to a close, Kyle Verreynne hit the winning run, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Meanwhile, Markram received heartfelt congratulations from the Australian players, acknowledging his crucial contribution to the match. The final moments were a blend of relief and exhilaration for South Africa, who had faced their fair share of heartbreak in previous ICC tournaments.
Looking back at a painful history
This victory is particularly sweet for South Africa, known for their history of near misses on cricket’s biggest stages. Heartbreaking losses in 1999, 2011, 2015, and others have haunted the team. However, the win at Lord’s in 2025 will be remembered as a turning point, a day when underdogs rose to the occasion against a formidable Australian side.
Critics had questioned South Africa’s path to the final, suggesting it was easier than their opponents. Yet, with eight consecutive test wins, including significant victories away from home, the team proved their mettle. This triumph not only signifies a championship but also a new dawn for South African cricket, which had long been searching for redemption on the international stage.
