South Africa Ends 27-Year ICC Trophy Drought with Thrilling WTC Final Win Over Australia
In a historic moment for South African cricket, the Proteas ended their 27-year ICC trophy drought by defeating Australia by 5 wickets in a gripping World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground on Saturday. The victory, witnessed by a roaring crowd, not only marked South Africa’s first-ever WTC title but also served as a cathartic release for a nation long burdened by near-misses and heartbreak in major tournaments.
The emotional weight of the triumph was palpable, with spinner Keshav Maharaj breaking down in tears during a heartfelt post-match interview with former captain Graeme Smith. Maharaj, who played a supporting role with a solitary wicket and 7 runs in the first innings, embodied the raw emotion of the moment, resonating deeply with fans across the globe who have followed South Africa’s often-painful journey in international cricket.
Resuming Day 4 at 213 for 2, South Africa needed just 69 more runs to chase down the target of 282. They accomplished the feat in style, finishing at 282 for 5, etching their name in history with the second-highest successful chase in Test matches at Lord’s. The architect of this monumental victory was opener Aiden Markram, whose composed 136 runs off an overnight 102 anchored the innings over six grueling hours. Markram’s departure, with only 6 runs left to win, couldn’t dampen the spirits as Kyle Verreynne struck a crisp cover drive to seal the deal, sparking wild celebrations among players and supporters alike.
Australia, the reigning Test giants, fought valiantly until the very end. Having exhausted all their reviews early and opting for the new ball in a desperate bid for wickets, they were unable to breach South Africa’s resolute batting lineup on a pitch that flattened out over time. The Aussie bowlers, led by Pat Cummins, threw everything they had, but the Proteas’ determination shone through. A notable moment of sportsmanship came when the Australian team congratulated Markram on his match-defining knock as he walked off to a standing ovation from the Lord’s crowd.
The foundation for this victory was laid on Day 3, with a crucial 143-run partnership between captain Temba Bavuma (66) and Markram. Despite losing key wickets—including Bavuma edging behind, Tristan Stubbs bowled for 8, and Markram caught at midwicket—the Proteas maintained their composure. This resilience has often eluded South Africa in high-pressure ICC events, making this win even sweeter.
This triumph is more than just a trophy for South Africa; it’s a testament to years of grit and perseverance. Since their readmission to international cricket in 1991, the Proteas have reached numerous semi-finals and finals across formats but had always fallen short—until now. The victory at Lord’s, often dubbed the ‘Home of Cricket’, adds an extra layer of prestige to their achievement, marking a new chapter for a team determined to shed the ‘chokers’ tag once and for all.
As South African fans celebrated late into the night, both at Lord’s and back home, one image stood out: Keshav Maharaj, overcome by emotion, representing the collective relief and joy of a nation. For a team that has given so much to the game, this historic WTC Final win feels like a long-overdue reward—and perhaps the beginning of a golden era for South African cricket.