Temba Bavuma’s Men Create History at Lord’s

LONDON: Aiden Markram’s composed century guided South Africa to a memorable five-wicket win over reigning champions Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final at Lord’s on Saturday.

This victory marked South Africa’s first major ICC title since 1998, when they lifted the inaugural edition of the Champions Trophy, then known as the KnockOut Trophy.

Resuming at 213/2, needing 69 more to seal a historic win, South Africa began the day with Markram and captain Temba Bavuma at the crease. However, their partnership added only four runs before Bavuma edged one behind off his Australian counterpart in the third over of the morning. He departed after playing a vital knock of 66 off 134 balls, which included five boundaries.

Markram then shared a short 24-run stand with Tristan Stubbs, who struggled for rhythm and was dismissed for 8 off 43 deliveries by Mitchell Starc.

Batting at number six, David Bedingham provided steady support to Markram. The duo took South Africa to the brink of victory with a 35-run partnership before Markram finally fell to Josh Hazlewood, having scored a magnificent 136 off 207 balls, featuring 14 boundaries.

With just six runs required, Bedingham was joined by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, and the pair calmly completed the run chase without further loss.

Earlier, Australia had been bundled out for 207 in their second innings on Day 3, thanks to a resilient unbeaten 58 from Starc at number nine. Their first innings saw them post 212, led by Beau Webster’s quickfire 72 and Steve Smith’s solid 62.

South Africa’s bowlers were clinical in that innings, with Kagiso Rabada bagging five wickets in 15.4 overs, while Marco Jansen chipped in with three.

In response, South Africa were dismissed for just 138 in their first innings. David Bedingham top-scored with 45 runs. Pat Cummins was the star with the ball for Australia, grabbing six wickets, with Starc picking up two as well to give the Aussies a first-innings lead.