NEW DELHI: South Africa finally ended their 27-year wait for an ICC trophy, defeating Australia by five wickets in a thrilling World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s on Saturday.
The victory sparked emotional scenes, none more poignant than Keshav Maharaj breaking down in tears during a post-match interview with compatriot and former captain Graeme Smith.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Although Maharaj’s personal contribution in the final was modest, claiming a single wicket and scoring seven runs in the first innings, the significance of the triumph overwhelmed him, a moment that resonated with cricket fans worldwide.
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Resuming on 213 for 2, South Africa chased down the 69 remaining runs on the fourth morning, finishing at 282 for 5, which became the second-highest successful chase in Test history at the iconic venue.
Aiden Markram was the hero of the hour, extending his overnight 102 to 136 in a composed innings that spanned over six hours.
His departure, with just six runs needed, did little to halt the Proteas’ march. Moments later, Kyle Verreynne sealed the win with a crisp drive through the covers, triggering celebrations in the stands and on the field.
Australia fought doggedly, exhausting all reviews early and taking the new ball, but they found no way past South Africa’s resolute batters on a flattening pitch.
Captain Temba Bavuma, who fell for 66 after adding just one run to his overnight score, and Markram laid the foundation with a crucial 143-run stand the previous day.
Even as wickets fell: Bavuma edging behind, Tristan Stubbs bowled for 8, and Markram caught at midwicket, the Proteas’ composure held firm.
Australia’s players, in a mark of sportsmanship, congratulated Markram as he walked off to a standing ovation, acknowledging his match-winning contribution on a historic day for South African cricket.
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