Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.
Venue- Lord's Cricket Ground, London [June 11-14, 2025].
On June 14, 2025, the Proteas scripted history as they clinched their maiden World Test Championship title. For the last 3 decades, the South Africans have played some excellent cricket. However, except for the inaugural Champions Trophy title, they fell short on each and every occasion. Interestingly, they entered every tournament as a favorite but always choked in the knockout stages [QF/SF/F].
In 2024 they were on the cusp of winning the T20 World Cup, but they crumbled under pressure, and India thus lifted their second T20 title. As a result, no one gave them a chance in the WTC Final. After all, they were facing a side who enjoyed pressure and had the habit of winning games from any stage. The final was thus seen as a clash between the generational chokers and serial winners.
Moreover, the way the game went for the first 3 days, it appeared that the Aussies would add one more ICC title to their trophy cabinet. No one believed in the Proteas. A target of 282, clubbed with a lethal Australian bowling and fielding line-up, implied that they were required to chase an above par score. To make matters worse, they lost their first wicket at a score of 9. However, this is when Aiden Markram and Captain Bavuma played the knocks of their lives. Bavuma, despite being injured, scored a gritty 66. On the other hand, Markram played the innings of his life as he scored a magnificent 136 and took the Proteas to their second ICC title.
The stadium erupted with joy when the Proteas hit the winning runs. No one could believe what they saw. The ICC Trophy was finally going to the Rainbow Nation. The pain of Edgbaston (1999) was well and truly buried now. A new era has begun.
To watch the Highlights of the Final, Click Here.
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