How South Africa defied the odds to end Australia’s ICC Midas touch and win the World Test Championship?

14th June 2025, Lord’s cricket ground, swathed in bright sunshine. With just couple minutes left for lunch, Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham completed the biggest romantic cricketing moment the world has witnessed. South Africa became the newest World Test Championship holders as Verreynne hit Starc for a boundary and there was a huge roar. 

The wicketkeeper had tried to hit a paddle scoop off the pacer as Alex Carey went up in muted appeal which was turned down. When the replays came on the screen, it was seen that, the batter had got an edge of his gloves but Australia didn’t have any reviews left. By that time, the Proteas were well in control of the contest and 27-years of wait was set to end. 

Australia had set South Africa target of 282 to win, and Starc had got the wickets of Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder early. Mulder was sent to bat out at number three as he scored 27 runs from 50 balls and also added 64 runs for the second wicket with Markram. It wasn’t so easy though, the Proteas were bundled out for 138 to give Australia a considerable lead of 74 runs going into the third innings. 

Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma defy the odds to create history 

Skipper Temba Bavuma battled an injury to his leg and stayed steadfast with Aiden Markram to put his side in control. The pair added 147 runs for the third wicket in over 41 overs before Bavuma was dismissed for 66 runs. The South African captain defied his injury and also his captaincy which wasn’t easy to come by. Bavuma almost looked Zen like to take his side closer to their biggest win. 

The man of the moment though will be Aiden Markram, man who has been called the next generation of South African cricket. At the age of 31, Markram was seen as a player who didn’t fulfil his promise but Lord’s saw the rise of Markram. The right-handed batter scored 136 runs from 207 balls with 154 hits to the fence and fell just at the cusp of a huge win. 

When the game was at its final stages, Graeme Smith was seen looking on like a proud parent seeing their child graduate. AB De Villiers and Shaun Pollock who have played with and under Smith, were part of few heartbreaks in ICC tournaments. When Smith caught up with Keshav Maharaj, the left-arm spinner was in tears.

South Africa had overcome the huge C (Choke) word, even with just under 70 runs needed at the start of the day, there were niggling thoughts that Australia could produce a miracle. Markram though stood steadfast, and no South Africa didn’t choke. They finally stood atop the Lord’s balcony and took their rightful place. ICC title is finally going to South Africa and the wait of 27 years has finally ended