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Even amidst his rigorous national duties in Kent, where the Indian team is currently engaged in intra-squad red-ball preparations ahead of the five-Test series against England, Rishabh Pant found time to acknowledge a historic moment unfolding at Lord’s.
Rishabh Pant’s praise Aiden Markram amid South Africa’s Historic heroics at Lord’s
As South Africa triumphed in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final by chasing down 282 against Australia, Pant’s attention was drawn not just to the result, but to the man who made it possible: Aiden Markram, his IPL 2025 teammate at Lucknow Super Giants. The wicketkeeper-batter took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share heartfelt words of admiration for Markram’s dazzling 136 under pressure, a knock that helped South Africa break a 27-year jinx and claim their first-ever major ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
“Well played, Aiden brother. I am so happy for you – what a great knock under pressure. You have made us all proud and congratulations to South Africa on lifting the WTC mace,” Pant wrote, echoing sentiments shared by countless cricket lovers who saw in Markram’s innings the culmination of years of South African yearning. Pant’s bond with Markram, built during their campaign for LSG earlier that year, added a layer of personal warmth to this glowing tribute, reminding everyone that cricket, even in its most competitive corners, is rooted in camaraderie and shared admiration.
Markram and Temba Bavuma anchor history as South Africa changed their destiny
On the fourth day of the WTC final, the historic aura of Lord’s was matched by the sheer gravity of what unfolded in the middle. South Africa resumed their innings at 213/2, needing just 69 runs to make history but facing the daunting prospect of finishing a job that so many of their illustrious predecessors had failed to complete. Markram, having scored a duck in the first innings, stood tall and unshaken on 102* overnight, with skipper Temba Bavuma by his side on 65*, visibly limping due to a nagging hamstring injury.
As the first ball of the day was bowled, the entire cricketing world held its breath. South Africa has long been associated with semi-final collapses, knockout nerves, and missed moments, carrying a legacy of unrealized greatness. But this time, their resolve did not waver. Markram took the Proteas to within touching distance of victory with serene authority before eventually falling for 136, just six runs shy of the finish line. His innings, composed of elegance and defiance, will forever be remembered as the defining masterpiece of South African cricket history.
Bavuma, battling pain with every stride, stood at the crease like a symbol of resilience, adding an emotional texture to the physical battle being won. Kyle Verreynne, with a crisp cover drive, brought home the winning runs, and with it, the ghosts of past defeats were buried under the jubilant roars of triumph.
