LONDON: Aiden Markram’s stunning century helped South Africa claim their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title, defeating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s and ending a decades-long wait for a major senior ICC trophy.
Chasing a target of 282, the Proteas resumed the fourth day at 213 for 2 and held their nerve in front of a vocal crowd to seal victory. Markram’s 136 anchored the innings, while Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs to trigger emotional celebrations from the South African camp and supporters.
The triumph marks South Africa’s first senior ICC title since the 1998 KnockOut Trophy and erases years of near-misses and heartbreaks on the global stage.
Earlier in the Test, Australia had posted 212 and 207 in their two innings, with key contributions from Beau Webster (72), Steve Smith (66), and Mitchell Starc (58). Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball, collecting a match haul of 9 wickets, while Lungi Ngidi supported well with three wickets in the second innings.
South Africa, in response, were bowled out for 138 in the first innings before mounting a comeback in their second. Markram and captain Temba Bavuma added 147 for the third wicket to put their side in control, despite Bavuma battling through a hamstring injury.
Bavuma eventually fell early on the final day for 66, while Markram was dismissed with just six runs required. Speaking after the match, the Player of the Match said:
“Haven’t scored more important runs. Weird how things worked out after a duck in the first innings. Need a bit of luck, spent some time in the middle and find runs, glad things worked out. Reception will stick out. Lord’s is the place every Test cricketer wants to play.”
Bavuma hailed the team’s persistence and unity:
“It’s been a special couple of days, at some points it felt like we were in SA… We’ve been relentless, getting to the doorstep consistently and experienced heartache, the sun’s been with us. Hopefully, this win is one of many.”
Proteas fast bowler Rabada’s nine-wicket match reinforced his reputation as a match-winner on the biggest stage. Both Rabada and Markram were part of South Africa’s Under-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2014, adding sentimental weight to this latest triumph.
Australia, despite holding a 74-run lead after the first innings, couldn’t hold off South Africa’s fightback. Captain Pat Cummins admitted missed opportunities cost them:
“Things can change quickly, but it was a bridge too far… SA showed why they’re here and are deserved winners, they kept themselves in the game throughout.”
South Africa’s victory brings a fresh chapter to Test cricket’s global narrative—one that includes triumph beyond the traditional powerhouses and offers a rallying point for fans and players back home.
South Africa XI: Markram, Rickelton, Mulder, Bavuma (c), Stubbs, Bedingham, Verreynne (wk), Jansen, Maharaj, Rabada, Ngidi
Australia XI: Khawaja, Labuschagne, Green, Smith, Head, Webster, Carey (wk), Cummins (c), Starc, Lyon, Hazlewood