South Africa has won the World Test Championship. They defeated Australia by five wickets on Day 4 at Lord’s. Aiden Markram played a superb knock, and his 147-run partnership with Temba Bavuma turned the tide as South Africa clinched a memorable victory. Kagiso Rabada played a vital role with nine wickets across both innings. This is South Africa’s first ICC trophy in 26 years, their last coming in 1998 when they won the ICC Champions Trophy.

Early Strikes Gave Australia Hope

At first, Australia looked set to defend their total. Captain Pat Cummins struck early. He dismissed Temba Bavuma, caught behind, shortly after play began.

Soon after, Mitchell Starc delivered a gem. He bowled Tristan Stubbs with a sharp in-swinger just as Stubbs was settling in alongside Markram.

Bedingham Took Charge

Despite those blows, David Bedingham batted with confidence. He pushed hard between the wickets and even took three runs more than once. Moreover, he drove Cummins straight down the ground for a boundary.

Eventually, he guided South Africa past the target with Kyle Verreynne by his side. Markram had fallen just before the win, but the job was nearly done.

South Africa Finally Break the ‘Chokers’ Tag

Previously, South Africa had often failed in crucial matches. They resumed Day 4 at 213 for 2, needing only 69 runs. Markram stood unbeaten on 102, while Bavuma was on 65, despite his painful hamstring injury.

Historically, South Africa had reached just one ICC final—last year’s T20 World Cup. However, they lost to India despite being in control.

This time, though, they didn’t crumble. Even without star names, this group succeeded where legends like Kallis and De Villiers had failed.

Markram Led the Way with Grit and Class

Although Bavuma fell early, South Africa stayed strong. The sun came out, and the Lord’s pitch became easier to bat on.

Then, Markram punished Cummins with back-to-back boundaries. South African fans at Lord’s roared in support.

Next, Cummins brought on spinner Nathan Lyon, hoping he would turn the game. Instead, it was Starc again who broke through by bowling Stubbs with a ball that cut in sharply.

Markram and Bavuma build a memorable partnership

Together, they added 143 runs for the second wicket. This stand came in just 38 overs. It may soon become a legendary chapter in South African cricket. Markram reached his eighth Test hundred with a stylish whip through midwicket.

Earlier, Australia seemed confident. They had set a challenging target of 282. Moreover, they started well when Mitchell Starc dismissed Ryan Rickelton early with a full delivery. However, South Africa’s intent was different this time. In their first innings, they crawled to 30 runs in 20 overs. This time, they raced to 47 for 1 in just 10.

Soon after, Starc struck again. He removed Wiaan Mulder, who was caught at cover. But then, Australia missed a huge chance. Bavuma edged the ball to Steve Smith at slip. Smith, who stood close and wore a helmet, dropped it. Worse, he dislocated his finger and had to leave the field.

Bavuma fights pain, Australia misses chances

Just before tea on Day 3, Bavuma suffered a hamstring injury. Despite this, he chose to stay at the crease. He mixed limping runs with clean strokes. On 43, he top-edged Nathan Lyon. The ball flew to deep square-leg, but substitute Sam Konstas couldn’t reach it.

Meanwhile, Markram remained calm and flawless. He rotated strike and found gaps. He drove Hazlewood straight and cut Starc beautifully through deep point. As stumps neared, he reached his century with a flick to the leg side.

Australia Tried Everything, But It Wasn’t Enough

Eventually, with South Africa just 14 runs away, Australia took the new ball. But Markram attacked immediately. He drove Hazlewood’s first ball for four, and then added three more.

Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t hit the winning run. He pulled a short ball and got caught by Travis Head at midwicket. He walked off slowly after scoring 106 off 207 balls, receiving a standing ovation. Even Australian players congratulated him.

Verreynne Hits the Winning Shot

By then, Australia had used all their reviews. They couldn’t challenge a possible edge from Verreynne.

Finally, Verreynne struck the winning run. South Africa secured their second-highest successful Test chase at Lord’s, just behind West Indies’ famous win in 1984.

Rabada Dominated with the Ball

Earlier, Kagiso Rabada had set the stage. He took five wickets in the first innings and four in the second. In total, he finished with 9 for 110. His spells kept Australia from building any big lead.