South Africa sealed their first men’s senior ICC title since 1998 with a commanding five-wicket win over Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. Needing just 69 runs on the fourth morning, the Proteas chased down the target with relative ease, thanks to a composed finish and key contributions throughout the Test match.
Markram’s Masterclass Anchors the Chase
Aiden Markram was the standout performer, crafting a brilliant 136 that ultimately proved to be the difference in a low-scoring contest where bowlers largely dictated terms. Though he fell with just six runs needed for victory, his calm and clinical approach laid the perfect foundation for South Africa’s successful pursuit.
Markram’s innings was especially vital as it neutralized a relentless Australian bowling attack that had threatened to flip the script early on Day 4. He absorbed pressure, picked off loose deliveries, and stayed unfazed even when wickets fell at the other end.
Nervy Start, Steady Finish
The morning session wasn’t without its jitters. South African captain Temba Bavuma, who had batted well for 66, was dismissed early by his opposite number, Pat Cummins. Tristan Stubbs followed shortly after, bowled by Mitchell Starc with 41 still to get.
However, any hopes of an Australian resurgence were short-lived. Markram, along with Kyle Verreynne—who struck the winning runs—ensured that the Proteas remained in control. Even Markram’s own dismissal to Josh Hazlewood late in the chase was met with applause from a Lord’s crowd that recognized the magnitude of his contribution.
Rabada’s Lethal Spell Sets Up the Win
While Markram took the headlines with the bat, Kagiso Rabada played a pivotal role with the ball. The pace ace claimed nine wickets across both innings, consistently dismantling Australia’s batting and maintaining pressure throughout the match.
Rabada’s spell on Day 2 was instrumental in restricting Australia and keeping the target within reach. His partnership with the rest of the pace attack ensured that South Africa always had the upper hand despite the tight nature of the contest.
From U-19 Glory to Test Supremacy
Both Markram and Rabada were part of the South African side that lifted the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2014. Over a decade later, the duo has now achieved the ultimate prize in senior Test cricket, signaling a full-circle moment in their careers.
Australia’s Grit, But South Africa’s Day
To their credit, Australia’s bowlers—Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood—fought valiantly and bowled with fire across all four days. But they were undone by a pitch-perfect knock from Markram and a unified South African effort.
After falling heartbreakingly short in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against India last year, the Proteas held their nerve this time. Their resilience and composure under pressure ensured they crossed the line and lifted the coveted Test mace.
A Win for the Ages
This win not only breaks a 27-year title drought but also marks a new chapter in South African cricket. It’s a victory built on grit, teamwork, and the ability to rise when it mattered most—in the Ultimate Test at the most iconic venue in the game.
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