South Africa’s long wait for a global cricket title finally ended on a historic day at Lord’s, as South Africa’s WTC win was sealed with a five-wicket victory over Australia. Aiden Markram played a career-defining knock of 136, guiding his team through pressure and history to lift their maiden World Test Championship title.
Markram Holds Nerve Under Pressure
Resuming on 213 for 2 and chasing 282, South Africa needed just 69 runs. Yet, nerves were high. Temba Bavuma, nursing a hamstring strain, added calm with his gritty 66. He and Markram stitched a vital 147-run stand that set the tone for the chase.
However, Bavuma’s exit—edging Pat Cummins—gave Australia a small window. Still, Markram held firm. His elegant square drives and calculated pulls released pressure just when needed. He attacked when opportunities came but stayed composed in tense moments.
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Australia Fight but Fall Short
Australia, after holding a 74-run first-innings lead, collapsed in their second innings to 207. Kagiso Rabada led with figures of 4 for 59, while Lungi Ngidi chipped in with 3 for 38. Though Mitchell Starc struck with the second new ball and removed Tristan Stubbs, the target kept shrinking.
Desperate to turn the tide, Australia used all three reviews poorly. Ironically, one final glove from Kyle Verreynne went undetected with scores level. Moments later, Verreynne hit the winning runs through the covers, sparking euphoric celebrations.
A Moment That Rewrites History
The victory erased decades of heartbreak. Markram’s innings, hailed as one of the greatest by a South African, brought closure to a nation that had seen too many near-misses on the world stage. From 1992’s rain rule to the 1999 World Cup semifinal heartbreak, South Africa finally had their moment.
Players hugged, fans roared, and the chants at Lord’s echoed a new legacy. No longer underdogs, South Africa are now WTC champions.
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