South Africa has finally ended their long wait for an ICC trophy, lifting the World Test Championship title with a thrilling five-wicket victory over defending champions Australia at Lord’s. This marks their first major ICC tournament win since 1998, a gap of 27 years that saw heartbreaks in multiple semi-finals and knockouts.
Led by Temba Bavuma, South Africa chased down a record 282-run target in testing conditions. Aiden Markram, who remained calm and composed throughout, was the architect of the chase with a gritty century. Bavuma contributed with a brave 63 despite battling injury, and their 143-run stand turned the game in South Africa’s favour after a shaky start.
Australia put up a strong fight with the ball on Day 4, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc striking early. But Markram held firm, absorbing pressure and avoiding risks. Stubbs and Bedingham chipped in with vital runs, while Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs to seal a famous victory that brought players and fans to tears.
The win carried emotional weight, not just for its rarity but for what it represented—a team overcoming decades of disappointment and internal challenges. Bavuma’s role as the first Black Test captain to lift an ICC trophy made the moment even more powerful, symbolising progress both on and off the field.
As former players cried in the stands and fans roared in celebration, the victory felt like the start of a new chapter in South African cricket. With unity, belief, and talent on their side, the Proteas now look ready to leave behind their haunted past and inspire a new generation.
