In a momentous triumph at Lord’s, South Africa rewrote cricketing history by defeating Australia to claim their first major ICC title in 27 years. The Proteas secured a five-wicket victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, chasing down 282 runs with composure and grit inside four days.

Resuming on 213/2 on the fourth morning, South Africa required 69 more runs to seal the win — a target they achieved with patience and minimal risk, reaching 285/5 in just over two hours. It marked the second-highest successful run chase at Lord’s in over a century of Test cricket at the iconic venue.

Proteas Break the “Chokers” Curse

With this victory, South Africa finally shed the “chokers” tag that has long haunted them in high-pressure ICC knockout games. From the heartbreaks in Birmingham (1999) to Kolkata (2023), the team’s failure to deliver in crunch moments has been a lingering narrative — until now.

“We could hear the Australians using the word ‘choke’ while we batted,” said captain Temba Bavuma. “It’s been a long time since we won a final, and now we’ve created history. This is something truly special.”

Bavuma, South Africa’s first Black Test captain, drew inspiration from the national rugby team’s recent World Cup success, emphasizing the power of unity and resilience in sport.

Markram’s Masterclass Seals the Deal

Aiden Markram anchored South Africa’s chase with a sensational 136-run knock. Starting the day unbeaten on 102, he fell just six runs short of victory but had already ensured the Proteas were in a commanding position. His six-hour vigil at the crease earned him the Player of the Match award.

Markram was instrumental alongside Bavuma, with the pair stitching together a game-defining 143-run partnership on day three. Although Bavuma added only four more runs before being dismissed for 66 early on day four, the platform was firmly laid.

“It’s always been a dream to play at Lord’s,” Markram said. “To do that in a final and contribute to a win is unforgettable.”

Kyle Verreynne sealed the victory with a drive through the covers, sparking celebrations as South Africa lifted the WTC mace for the first time.

Australia Fall Short Despite Fight

Despite their fighting spirit, Australia were unable to defend the WTC crown. The bowlers toiled on a docile pitch, burning through all three reviews early and gaining little from the second new ball. Skipper Pat Cummins acknowledged South Africa’s dominance in the final innings, admitting they didn’t offer any real chances.

Australia’s defeat marks only their fourth loss in an ICC final from 14 appearances — a testament to South Africa’s clinical performance.

A New Era for South African Cricket

This win also counters criticism that South Africa’s route to the final was relatively easy, having avoided series against England and Australia in the current WTC cycle. But with eight consecutive Test wins — their second-best streak ever — the Proteas have proven their consistency and strength.

The morale-boosting win sets the stage for South Africa’s campaign at the 2027 ODI World Cup on home soil. While a different format awaits, this historic triumph provides the psychological breakthrough that had long eluded them.

“This is about more than cricket,” said Bavuma. “It’s about giving South Africans something to celebrate — a moment of unity and pride.”