Daijiworld Media Network – London
London, Jun 15: In an emotional and historic moment at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, South Africa etched their name into cricketing history by clinching their maiden ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title, defeating defending champions Australia by five wickets. The victory marked South Africa’s first major ICC trophy in 27 years, their last being the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy win against the West Indies.
Captain Temba Bavuma, who led the side with remarkable calm and composure, added a touching post-match gesture to the occasion by handing over the prestigious WTC mace to his one-year-old son—a symbolic passing of legacy that won hearts both on and off the field.
Despite entering the final as strong favourites, Pat Cummins’ Australia faltered after taking a first-innings lead of 74 runs. Dismissing South Africa for a paltry 138, the Australians looked to be in control. However, a faltering second innings and a determined South African chase turned the tide.
The Proteas' comeback was orchestrated by a brilliant partnership between opener Aiden Markram and skipper Bavuma. Markram anchored the innings with a gritty and fluent 136 off 207 balls, laced with 14 boundaries, while Bavuma played the perfect foil with a composed 66 off 134 deliveries. Their 147-run stand proved to be the match-winner, keeping the Australians at bay during a tense fourth innings.
Australia's bowlers, though effective early on, failed to make breakthroughs when it mattered most. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon was economical but went wicketless in 26 overs, ending with figures of 0/66.
After the match, Cummins admitted that Australia let go of key moments. "Few things we didn't do right. Didn't bat out the opposition after a decent first-innings lead. Aiden and Temba didn’t give us a chance. South Africa showed why they’re here and are deserved winners," he acknowledged.
The win was not just about lifting a trophy—it was a statement of South Africa’s resurgence in red-ball cricket and a triumph of perseverance. The image of Bavuma handing the mace to his young son captured the essence of legacy, dreams fulfilled, and new chapters waiting to be written.
As the Proteas celebrate a long-awaited ICC crown, this victory will be remembered not only for the cricketing brilliance but also for the emotional resonance that transcended the boundary ropes.