The Proteas clinched their first major global cricket title on Saturday by defeating Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
With thousands of Saffas calling London home, it was no surprise that the Home of Cricket was teaming with passionate Proteas supporters from the moment the Test match got underway on Wednesday.
At stumps on Day 3, the Proteas were in a commanding position.
They were set 282 to win this World Test Championship final, which was Australia’s to lose.
Bavuma’s heroics
In a match that saw a series of momentum shifts, it was South African who found their mettle on the home straight thanks to strong batting partnership by opener Aiden Markram and captain Temba Bavuma – who played through a hamstring injury.
The pair contributed 143 runs to the cause, leaving the Proteas needing just 69 runs with eight wickets in hand.
Despite the Proteas’ awful record in ICC finals, the South African faithful could sense victory. Watch:
Early on Day 4, Australian skipper Pat Cummins struck in the third over to remove Bavuma, caught behind for 66, to briefly lift Aussie hopes.
Markram carries the torch
The pressure intensified when Mitchell Starc bowled Tristan Stubbs, with South Africa still needing 41.
It was up to Markram to continue steering the ship.
The 30-year-old resumed his overnight score, maintaining his composure to put on a total of 136 and score the only century in the match.
He fell just short of finishing the job himself, leaving David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne to complete the chase.
Verreynne sealed the win with a crisp drive through the covers off Starc, earning South Africa the coveted mace and the title of the World’s best Test cricket team.
It sparked scenes of celebration as South Africa became just the third team to win the World Test Championship, following New Zealand in 2021 and Australia in 2023.
While Markram was awarded Man of the Match, pace bowler Kagiso Rabada was also acknowledged for his impressive nine-wicket haul.
The Proteas’ run chase was the joint second-highest in Test cricket at Lord’s.
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