South Africa have finally broken decades of major global cricket tournament heartbreak, securing a dominant five-wicket victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
Opener Aiden Markram’s magnificent century spearheaded the Proteas’ successful chase of 282 runs on Saturday, leading them to clinch their first major international title since 1998.
South Africa resumed on the fourth day, needing 69 more runs with eight wickets in hand.
Despite facing the defending WTC champions and their long history of faltering under pressure, the Proteas held their nerve.
Markram, who was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, finished with an outstanding 136 runs, guiding his team to within six runs of the target before his dismissal. Captain Temba Bavuma, despite a hamstring injury, contributed a crucial 65 not out, ultimately leading his side to victory.
“It’s special in a lot of ways,” said Captain Bavuma, acknowledging the significant number of South African fans who created a ‘home’ atmosphere at Lord’s. He also highlighted the victory’s importance for national unity, joining Springboks Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi as a Black African skipper of a major global title-winning South African side.
Often labelled “chokers” for their past failures in knockout matches, including a recent T20 World Cup final loss to India despite a strong position, this largely unheralded South African team succeeded where many star-studded predecessors had fallen short. Their path to the final, which involved only 12 Tests in the WTC cycle and no matches against England or Australia, had drawn criticism.
However, their impressive eighth consecutive Test win convincingly demonstrated their worthiness. “I hope our performance gives credit as to why we were in the final,” Bavuma stated, adding, “Whilst we were batting, we could hear the Aussies using that dreaded word ‘choke.'” We’ve been etched in history; we’re part of something that has never been done.”
Markram, named player of the match, expressed the emotional weight of the victory: “It is emotional; it’s been a very long time coming.” He added, “We’ve gotten close in the past couple of years and have not gotten over the line. The first one is always going to be the toughest.”
Australia, despite holding a 74-run first-innings lead, couldn’t contain the Proteas. Australian captain Pat Cummins acknowledged South Africa’s strong fourth-innings performance, stating, “There wasn’t a lot in the wicket, but they didn’t give us a chance.”
While Bavuma was dismissed early on Saturday, Markram continued to score freely. Even after Markram’s heroic innings ended, Kyle Verreynne hit the winning run, securing South Africa’s victory in the second-highest successful run chase in a Test match at Lord’s.
