Written by Lisa Murimi
South Africa finally laid to rest their reputation as perennial underachievers with a commanding five-wicket win over Australia in the World Test Championship final, sealing their first major global title in men’s cricket.
Resuming on 213-2 and needing 69 more runs on day four, the Proteas were made to sweat early.
Pat Cummins removed captain Temba Bavuma for 66 in the third over, caught behind, and Mitchell Starc sent Tristan Stubbs’ stumps flying to leave South Africa wobbling.
But Aiden Markram stood firm. His superb 136 – the only century of the match – was a masterclass in patience and poise.
Though he fell with just a handful of runs required, flicking Josh Hazlewood to mid-wicket, the damage was done.
David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne held their nerve, with Verreynne punching Starc through the covers for the winning run, sparking joyous scenes in the South African dressing room.
The chase of 282 was the joint second-highest in Test history at Lord’s, and it ended decades of heartbreak for a South African side long branded as “chokers” on the global stage.
This win makes South Africa the third team to lift the World Test Championship mace, following New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023).
For Bavuma’s men, it was more than just a match – it was a statement of redemption and belief.
From early nerves to champagne-soaked celebration, this was a day that will be etched in South African cricket history. No longer burdened by the past, the Proteas have finally arrived.
