WTC final, SA vs AUS Highlights: South Africa Crowned WTC Champions After Markram’s Masterclass

South Africa has created history by becoming the 3rd side to lift the ICC World Test Championship title in as many cycles. Skipper Temba Bavuma leads the charge with a sublime batting performance, partnering former skipper Aiden Markram, who etched his name in the history books with a magnificent 4th innings ton at the 'Home of Cricket'.

Markram and Bavuma Lead South Africa’s Fightback

After both teams failed to apply themselves with the bat in the first 3 innings of the Test, some experts ruled out the Proteas' chances once the winning total was set at 282. Enter Aiden Markram and play a knock of his life, looking determined as ever to take his side over the line.

Alongside him was skipper Bavuma who struggled majority of day 3 with a hamstring niggle but demonstrated sheer tenacity to bat more than 35 overs. Though Bavuma was dropped early in his innings by Steve Smith stationed at first slip under the helmet, the South African skipper provided no other chances to the Australian side.

Previously in the game, South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first and skittled the Aussies out for 212. Beau Webster scored his Test best of 72, and Smith hit a resolute 66, but it was Kagiso Rabada stealing the show with 5/51.

South Africa Clinch Historic Win After Markram's Heroics and Strong Bowling Display

After a poor performance with the bat, it was time for the skipper Pat Cummins, to show his class with 6/28, securing a first-innings lead for the defending champions. It was Rabada again starring with the ball, pairing with Lungi Ngidi, sharing 7 wickets between them, skittling Australia for 207. Mitchell Starc stood up with the bat, hitting an unbeaten 58. The tailenders frustrated South Africa from extending their lead to 281. Starc started well, bringing his form with the bat to the ball, getting the early breakthrough in the form of Ryan Rickelton.

Aiden Markram was joined by Wiaan Mulder, adding 61 runs for the 2nd wicket. A change in ends for the 2nd spell and Starc found himself in the wickets column again, accounting for Mulder. Bavuma arrived at the crease, and the rest is history. A solid 147-run stand with Markram for the 3rd wicket to push Australia away from the game. They closed day 3 with 213/2 requiring a further 69 to win with 2 days left in the game.

Bavuma fell early on day 4 for 66 in 134 balls, with Tristan Stubbs managing just 8 runs in 43 balls. Markram tried to finish the game off but flicked one straight to Travis Head in the leg side, perishing for 136 in 207 balls. It was the pair of David Bedingham (21*) and Kyle Verreynne who remained on the crease and hit the winning runs! A historic trophy arrives in the South African cabinet.

Bavuma Praises Rabada and Markram After Historic Win

We cannot end this without the great Temba Bavuma speaking his mind. He talked about how Kagiso Rabada is going to go up in the ICC Hall of Fame by the end of his career after his heroic performance coming in after the controversies. He also hailed the performance of Aiden Markram as well as the character that comes with such performances. 

"It has been a special couple of days, felt like we were back home in South Africa with the support we have had. Special moment for us as a team, special moment back home, will take a couple of days to sink in. The energy was there, we have been wanting this as a team, we have been knocking on the door, we have gone through the heartache, the disappointments, seen it with the past players and the sun is on us. Hopefully this is one of many. KG is a massive player, in a couple of years he will be in the ICC Hall of Fame. He was under controversy but he did what he does. Markram was unbelievable, stats are important but character is what we look at and Aiden has that. Another massive player for us. Us a team we got ourselves into the final, there were doubters with the route we took, supposedly beating weaker teams. This is for them. I'm sure the people back home will be celebrating," Bavuma shared. 

Cummins Admits Australia Fell Short, Praises Markram and South Africa

Pat Cummins steps in for the presentation ceremony and reckons that his side were unable to bat them out of the contest after their performance in the first innings. He hailed Markram's performance and congratulated South Africa for their brilliant performance. 

"Things can change pretty quickly, but unfortunately, this was a bridge too far. There were always a few things, a decent first innings lead and tried to bat them out, did not happen. A bit of both. It has been a wonderful two years, did not come together for this game, but maybe a bit of both. It was looking like the wicket flattened out, but it can change here; unfortunately, it did not. Lyon looked threatening but he did not get a wicket, Aiden was fantastic. South Africa were deserved champions, kept themselves in the game and pounced on the opportunity. I love Test cricket, it is the pinnacle. It is a fantastic kind of spectacle. Cummins commented. 

ALSO READ: India Tour of England 2025: Full List Of Language-Wise Commentators Announced​​​​​​