South Africa clinched their first ICC World Test Championship title with a gritty five-wicket win over Australia, as skipper Temba Bavuma celebrates Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram for their resilience, calling the moment a unifying triumph for the nation.
“The sun is on us,” declared South African captain Temba Bavuma, beaming with emotion after South Africa’s historic five-wicket win over Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final. The Proteas secured their maiden WTC title at Lord’s, powered by a nine-wicket haul from Kagiso Rabada and a commanding century by Aiden Markram. Bavuma hailed the pair’s “immense character,” especially Rabada, who returned from a one-month suspension to script a redemption story and surpass Allan Donald as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in South Africa’s Test history.
Bavuma Praises Rabada’s Redemption and Markram’s Maturity
During the post-match presentation, Bavuma was full of praise for his 2014 U19 World Cup-winning teammates, Rabada and Markram.
“KG is a massive player. A couple of days ago, I went to the Hall of Fame inductees. I think he will be on there in a few years,” Bavuma said. “He came into the game under controversy and did what he did.”
Rabada’s first innings haul of 5/51 and a follow-up four-wicket burst proved vital. Markram, often criticized for inconsistency, silenced doubters with a fluent 136 off 207 balls during the run-chase.
“Aiden is unbelievable. People have questioned his place, but he has character. He played in true Aiden fashion,” Bavuma said, adding, “Here is an opportunity for us as a nation, divided as we are, to unite. You can be rest assured we will celebrate as one.”
Rabada: “The Sun Is On Us”
A visibly emotional Rabada described the experience as surreal:
“Special moment for us as a team, special moment back home. Will take a couple of days to sink in… We’ve been knocking on the door, gone through heartache and disappointment, seen it with past players—and now the sun is on us,” he said.
Match Summary: A Comeback for the Ages
Day 1:
- South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl. Rabada (5/51) and Jansen (3/49) rattled Australia, reducing them to 67/4.
- Key stands from Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) helped Australia reach 212 all out.
- Australia fought back, reducing South Africa to 43/4 by stumps, with Starc and Cummins striking early.
Day 2:
- Cummins’ brilliance (6/28) saw Proteas skittled for 138, despite resistance from Bavuma (36) and Bedingham (45). Australia led by 74 runs.
- In their second innings, Australia slumped to 73/7, but Starc’s 58 and Carey’s 46* helped stretch the lead to 281. Rabada (4/59) and Ngidi (3/38) led the attack.
Day 3 – The Final Push:
- Chasing 282, South Africa lost Rickelton early but steadied with a 61-run stand between Mulder (27) and Markram.
- Markram then paired with Bavuma in a match-turning 147-run partnership.
- Despite Starc’s 3/63, Kyle Verreyne struck the winning runs, ending South Africa’s 26-year ICC title drought—their first since the 1998 ICC Knockout.
Markram Named Player of the Match
Aiden Markram, whose innings oozed control and class, was deservingly named Player of the Match. His knock not only anchored the chase but rewrote the narrative surrounding his Test career.
South Africa’s WTC triumph marks a defining moment in their cricketing history—a win that blends redemption, grit, and unity, embodying Bavuma’s words:
“We got ourselves into the final. There were doubters, and this win squashes that.”