It was a final worth remembering—not just for the cricket, but for the sheer emotion on the faces of every South African player.
After nearly three decades, South Africa has finally lifted an ICC trophy, and the moment came at none other than the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
On Saturday, the Proteas pulled off a thrilling five-wicket win over Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final, sealing their first ICC title in 27 years.
Chasing 282 in the fourth innings, the pressure was on—but the calm and determination from captain Temba Bavuma and opener Aiden Markram made all the difference.
Bavuma’s Brave Knock Despite Injury
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. South Africa’s skipper, Temba Bavuma, was clearly struggling physically during the chase.
Battling through a painful hamstring injury on Day 3, he hobbled between the wickets but refused to leave the field.
That grit paid off—he played a crucial knock of 66 runs that kept the Proteas’ chase on track.
Cricket legend Matthew Hayden, recently inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, was full of admiration for Bavuma’s effort.
Speaking to Cricinfo, he said, “What a champion effort.
You could see early on he was struggling with his hamstring, but he hung in there.
He played really good simple cricket.”
Markram’s Century Sets the Stage
While Bavuma’s determination inspired fans, it was Aiden Markram who dazzled with the bat.
He anchored the innings with a composed and classy century, showing incredible focus under pressure.
His knock was described as one for the history books.
Together, Bavuma and Markram stitched together a crucial 147-run partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in South Africa’s favor.
Once the foundation was laid, David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne carried the team across the finish line with a confident and controlled performance.
Legends Applaud a Gutsy Finish
Tributes poured in after the match, with cricketing royalty applauding South Africa’s performance.
India’s iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar celebrated the win on social media, calling it a masterclass in composure.
“Test cricket continues to weave its magic,” Tendulkar wrote on X.
“In a final where every session had its own story, Proteas found calm in the storm.
Markram’s composure and Bavuma’s grit under pressure stood tall in the fourth innings.
A century that will be remembered, a partnership that turned hope into history.”
South Africa Are World Test Champions
In the end, it wasn’t just a win—it was redemption, legacy, and a statement of belief.
South Africa finally conquered the ICC stage in Test cricket, and they did it with class, courage, and calm heads under pressure.
Markram’s elegant century, Bavuma’s heroic innings despite injury, and the team’s relentless spirit combined to make this victory one of the most emotional moments in South African cricket history.