South Africa end 27-year wait for ICC title with World Test Championship win over Australia

South Africa etched their name into cricketing history on Saturday, securing their first major title in 27 years by defeating defending champions Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

Chasing a challenging target, the Proteas resumed on the fourth morning at 213-2 and calmly knocked off the remaining 69 runs to finish on 282-5, marking the second-highest successful run chase in the 141-year Test match history at the iconic venue.

Australia, known for their resilience, didn’t surrender the WTC mace without a fight. They bowled with intensity and applied constant pressure, hoping to trigger a collapse from a South African side that has faltered in high-stakes ICC moments in the past. 

However, this time the Proteas held firm.

Aiden Markram was the rock at the top of the order, continuing from his overnight score of 102 to make a masterful 136 before falling with just six runs needed. His marathon innings lasted over six hours and anchored the chase when it mattered most.

Despite exhausting all three of their reviews within the first 90 minutes of play, Australia kept pushing until the final blow was struck. The match ended when Kyle Verreynne confidently drove the winning run through the covers, sparking scenes of jubilation among the South African players and fans.

It was a landmark moment for South African cricket, a long-awaited taste of global success finally savored on the grandest stage.