South Africa clinched their first-ever major ICC title, pulling off a stunning five-wicket victory over Australia

• News By : Web Desk
• 2025-06-14 15:18:50

LONDON: 14 June 2025: South Africa clinched their first-ever major ICC title on Saturday, pulling off a stunning five-wicket victory over Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s. Chasing a daunting 282-run target, the Proteas made history with one of the joint second-highest successful fourth-innings chases at the iconic venue.

Resuming day four at 213-2, South Africa faced a tense final session, taking 27.4 overs to crawl to the remaining 69 runs. But nerves gave way to jubilation as Kyle Verreynne struck the winning run just before lunch, finishing unbeaten on 4 alongside David Bedingham (21*).

Opener Aiden Markram was the cornerstone of the chase, delivering a match-defining knock of 136. Having reached his century late on day three, Markram added 34 more before falling with just six runs needed — caught brilliantly by Travis Head.

“It was the most nervous I’ve ever been. I didn’t want to come out and bat, but when Aiden went out, I had to,” Verreynne admitted after the match.

Despite entering the final as underdogs and carrying the weight of past heartbreaks, South Africa held their nerve. Their reputation for faltering at crucial moments — especially in limited-overs tournaments — was finally put to rest.

Early Tensions and Key Moments
South Africa’s fourth-day jitters were evident when captain Temba Bavuma was dismissed early, edging a rising delivery from Australia’s Pat Cummins for 66. Two failed reviews from Australia followed before Mitchell Starc bowled Tristan Stubbs for eight, leaving 41 runs still required.

But a composed 35-run stand between Markram and Bedingham steadied the ship, guiding South Africa to the brink before Verreynne sealed the victory.

A Perfect Gamble Pays Off
South Africa won the toss on day one and boldly chose to bowl first — a decision that paid off when Kagiso Rabada claimed 5-51, helping dismiss Australia for 212. However, the Proteas struggled in response

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