At Lord’s, South Africa completed a record-breaking chase of 282 to defeat Australia by five wickets and claim their first‐ever ICC World Test Championship title. The Proteas’ remarkable run-chase, the second-highest successful pursuit in the ground’s storied history, ended a 27-year wait for an ICC trophy and cemented their standing among cricket’s elite.
South Africa’s pace battery struck early after winning the toss and electing to bowl. Kagiso Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49) reduced Australia to 67/4 in the opening session of Day One. A dogged 79-run partnership between Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) rescued the Australians, helping them to 212 all out.
Australia’s reply on Day Two was initially dominant, with Pat Cummins producing a six-wicket haul (6/28) – the best figures by a captain at Lord’s – to skittle the Proteas for 138 and build a 74-run lead. But leg-spinner Nathan Lyon (0/66) bowled economically, and the tail’s resistance, particularly a 59-run stand between Alex Carey (46) and Mitchell Starc (58*), saw Australia extend their advantage to 281.
Starc’s gritty half-century – the first fifty by a number-nine batter in an ICC knockout match – took Australia to 207 all out on Day Three. Left with a target of 282, South Africa began their pursuit nervously, losing opener Ryan Rickelton cheaply. A stabilising 61-run stand between Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder (27) kept the chase on track before Australia struck back to leave the Proteas 94/2 at tea.
The defining moment arrived in the final session. Captain Temba Bavuma and Markram calmly navigated a benign pitch, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. “We stuck to our processes,” said batting coach Ashwell Prince. “Aiden thrives on the big stage, and Temba’s unbeaten 66 showed why he’s led this side so well.”
Markram’s unbeaten 136 – the first century by a South African in an ICC tournament final – and Bavuma’s unbeaten 66 formed a 147-run stand that shattered Australia’s hopes. The chase was sealed when Kyle Verreyne nonchalantly drove through mid-wicket to bring up the winning runs and spark jubilant scenes among the South African camp.
Reflections from Both Camps
Australia skipper Pat Cummins paid tribute to the victors:
“Aiden and Temba didn’t give us a chance. They were deserved winners – they stayed in the game all day.”
Assistant coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged the challenge facing his side:
“It was a benign wicket, but they batted with conviction. We knew it was a tough chase, and they made it look straightforward.”
For South Africa, the victory lifted the “chokers tag” that had long haunted their knockout history. “This title belongs to every man in our dressing room,” said Markram, awarded Player of the Match, afterwards.
A New Chapter in Proteas Cricket
South Africa’s triumph at Lord’s – a venue where they have now won six of eight Tests since readmission – represents more than just a trophy. It is a statement of intent, a vindication of years of development and resilience, and a landmark moment that will be celebrated for generations.
Brief Scores
- Australia: 212 & 207 all out (Starc 58*; Rabada 5/51, Jansen 3/49, Cummins 6/28)
- South Africa: 138 & 282/5 (Markram 136*; Cummins 6/28, Starc 3/63)
South Africa’s maiden WTC title not only ends a long wait for an ICC crown but also cements their evolution into one of Test cricket’s most formidable sides.
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