South Africa ends 27‑year ICC drought, defeat Australia in WTC Final
Proteas becomes third nation to clinch historic title with 5‑wicket win at Lord’s
DUBAI: South Africa have produced a commanding performance at Lord’s to secure a five‑wicket victory over Australia and win their first ICC World Test Championship title.
Chasing a target of 282, the Proteas displayed composure and precision, guided by a masterful century from Aiden Markram and a determined half‑century from captain Temba Bavuma. Their success marks a historic end to a 27‑year wait for a major ICC trophy, their last triumph dating back to the 1998 Champions Trophy.
The match saw standout performances from both sides. Pat Cummins delivered a stunning spell in Australia's first innings, claiming career figures of 6‑28 and reaching 300 Test wickets. However, it was South Africa’s clinical chase that wrote the story. With Australia bundled out twice for 212 and 207 respectively, the Proteas capitalised on improving batting conditions from day three onwards.
Markram’s century
Aiden Markram stood tall under pressure, scoring a composed 136 in just over 80 overs while chasing. His innings, marked by deft drives and smart rotation of strike, proved decisive as South Africa steered towards victory.
Markram became the ninth batter at Lord’s to register a century after a duck in a match, underscoring the depth of his skill.
Bavuma’s courage
Temba Bavuma, despite carrying a hamstring issue, contributed a vital 66. His partnership of 147 runs with Markram further stabilised the innings. Bavuma’s leadership under physical strain was widely praised as pivotal to the outcome.
Bowling brilliance
Australia gained early momentum through Cummins’ six‑wicket haul in the first innings, becoming the first captain to take six at Lord’s and to collect 300 wickets in Tests. Kagiso Rabada responded in kind for South Africa, picking up five wickets and surpassing Allan Donald’s national tally. While Australia’s bowling attack fought back with key scalps, South Africa’s tail held firm.
Turning tide
Australia, having dominated the early sessions, saw South Africa claw back under flatter batting conditions emerging on day three. A sharp spell from Rabada and the spin deception saw Australia restricted to modest totals, opening the chase for the Proteas. This turnaround demonstrated South Africa’s adaptability and resilience.
Final push
On day four, South Africa resumed at 213 for 2, needing 69 more runs. The mood at Lord’s grew electric as Markram and Bavuma guided the chase. After Bavuma’s fall early in the day, David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne held steady. The winning run came from Verreynne in the 83rd over, sparking jubilant scenes and crowning the Proteas champions.
With this win South Africa became the third nation to lift the WTC mace, following New Zealand and Australia. Their triumph not only ends a lengthy title drought, but also signals a new era of bold competitiveness in Test cricket.