South Africa Clinches Historic ICC World Test Championship Title, Ends 27-Year Drought
In a moment that will forever be etched in cricket history, South Africa defeated formidable rivals Australia by five wickets at the iconic Lord’s in London on June 14th, 2025, to claim the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title. This monumental victory ended a painful 27-year drought for major ICC silverware, sparking emotional scenes among players and fans alike.
The triumph was particularly poignant for the Proteas, who had endured numerous heartbreaks in global tournaments since their last major win back in 1998. The final match itself was a gripping contest, culminating in South Africa successfully chasing down a challenging target of 282 runs – the second-highest successful fourth-innings chase ever recorded at Lord’s.
Emotional Scenes Unfold as Proteas Celebrate
The weight of nearly three decades of anticipation and past disappointments visibly lifted as the winning runs were struck. Among the most compelling and widely shared moments was that of spinner Keshav Maharaj. Captured on camera during a post-match interview with former South African captain Graeme Smith, Maharaj was overcome with emotion, breaking down in tears, visibly struggling to articulate the depth of his feelings. Smith was seen offering comfort during this raw display of the victory’s significance.
Captain Temba Bavuma also showed the immense emotional toll and relief of the win. Despite the surrounding jubilation, Bavuma was seen momentarily covering his face, seemingly holding back tears, before joining his teammates in celebration. The presence of South African legends like Shaun Pollock, Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers, and Dale Steyn, who themselves experienced many agonizing near-misses during their careers, added further depth to the poignant scenes at Lord’s. Dale Steyn, known for his fiery pace bowling, visibly struggled to find words when speaking to broadcasters after the match, demonstrating how much this breakthrough meant to generations of South African cricketers.
Key Performances Anchor Historic Chase
Resuming the fourth morning needing 69 more runs with eight wickets in hand, South Africa’s chase was anchored by a magnificent century from opener Aiden Markram. Markram, who started the day on 102, extended his resilient innings to 136 runs, spending over six hours at the crease to lay the crucial foundation. His performance was described by commentators as career-defining and nerveless under immense pressure.
Captain Temba Bavuma also played a vital role, contributing a gritty 66 runs despite battling an injured hamstring. The partnership between Markram and Bavuma on Day 3 and early Day 4 was pivotal, adding 143 runs (or 147 according to some reports) and effectively blunting the Australian bowling attack. While Markram was dismissed just six runs shy of the target, wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne fittingly struck the decisive boundary to seal the historic victory.
Praise from Cricket Legends
The magnitude of South Africa’s achievement resonated globally, drawing widespread praise from cricket legends. AB de Villiers lauded Markram’s century and Bavuma’s leadership, describing the experience of watching the Test conclude with a South African victory as dramatic and sweet. Sachin Tendulkar highlighted how the team “found calm in the storm,” crediting the composure of Markram and the grit of Bavuma, whose partnership “turned hope into history.” Other legends like Herschelle Gibbs, Chris Gayle, and Kumar Sangakkara also congratulated the team, emphasizing their skill, determination, and belief. Kumar Sangakkara noted that the Proteas “out skilled and out wanted” Australia, proving the power of purpose.
For South African cricket, this WTC title is not just a trophy; it represents the culmination of a long-held dream and the end of a difficult wait, bringing immense pride and emotional release to the nation.
