• South Africa clinched their maiden ICC World Test Championship title by defeating Australia by five wickets in a historic finale at Lord’s.

  • Aiden Markram rose to the occasion with a monumental 136 in the summit clash.

Fans go gaga as South Africa lift first-ever WTC title with Aiden Markram’s epic 136 against Australia at Lord’s
South Africa (Image Source: X)

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In a historic finale at Lord’s, South Africa clinched their maiden ICC World Test Championship title by defeating Australia by five wickets in a gripping contest that lasted just three days. After being bundled out for 138 in the first innings in response to Australia’s 212, South Africa faced a daunting target of 282 in the fourth innings.

But Aiden Markram rose to the occasion with a monumental 136, anchoring the chase with poise and resilience. Temba Bavuma’s crucial 66 and David Bedingham’s composed finishing touch further cemented South Africa’s dominance on the final day. Pat Cummins’ 6-wicket haul in the first innings and Starc’s second-innings strikes went in vain as South Africa’s fourth-innings grit eclipsed Australia’s bowling firepower, ensuring a landmark triumph at the Home of Cricket.

Australia’s misfiring batting line-up falters despite Steve Smith and Beau Webster’s resistance

Australia’s batting collapse in both innings laid the foundation for their defeat, with the top-order failing to provide stability. In the first innings, Usman Khawaja was dismissed for a duck, and Labuschagne’s scratchy 17 offered little resistance. Only Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) put up meaningful scores, forging a crucial 80-run partnership that helped Australia cross 200. However, Kagiso Rabada’s fiery five-wicket haul and Jansen’s three-for dismantled Australia for 212.

In the second innings, a similar story unfolded, Khawaja and Cameron Green fell cheaply again, while Smith and Travis Head were removed before settling. Alex Carey (43) and a gritty unbeaten 58 from Mitchell Starc helped Australia post 207, but Rabada (4/59) and Lungi Ngidi (3/38) ensured no long-lasting resistance. Australia’s repeated top-order failures on a seaming track cost them momentum, despite brave lower-order efforts.

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Aiden Markram’s magnificence and Temba Bavuma’s composure seal epic chase for South Africa

Chasing 282 in a high-stakes final, South Africa needed composure and temperament, qualities Aiden Markram exemplified with his majestic 136 off 207 balls. After early blows from Starc reduced them to 70/2, Markram built a game-changing 147-run stand with skipper Temba Bavuma, who played a captain’s knock of 66. Markram was clinical through the off-side, rotated the strike cleverly, and punished every loose ball.

Even after Bavuma’s dismissal, he guided the chase with David Bedingham (21 not out), resisting the second new ball until his eventual fall at 276. Markram’s calculated strokeplay, sharp running, and mental fortitude under pressure marked one of the finest fourth-innings knocks in WTC history. The innings ensured South Africa rewrote history at Lord’s, completing a record 282-run chase and clinching their first ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy.

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Also READ: SA vs AUS: Aiden Markram becomes 3rd batter to achieve a historic feat in WTC history

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