South African President Celebrates WTC Win: 'Proud Of Captain Temba Bavuma'
South Africa ended their 27-year knockout curse by defeating Australia in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship as Cyril Ramaphosa praised Captain Temba Bavuma and the team.
After years of disappointment in knockout games of major tournaments, South Africa finally broke their 27-year knockout curse by defeating Australia by five wickets to win the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final on the fourth day at Lord's on Saturday.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took to social media to celebrate his country's WTC victory.
'Congratulations to the Proteas the ICC Test Champions . We are proud of Captain Temba Bavuma for leading from the front," Cyril Ramaphosa posted on X.
'A victory for you and for the nation," he added.
South Africa ended day three at 213/2, chasing 282, and were on the brink of victory. Given their history of collapsing under pressure, especially against serial championship winners Australia, there was a mix of caution and optimism.
Markram, who was 102 not out at the end of day three, continued his aggressive play to lead South Africa to victory with a brilliant 136. The Proteas completed the chase in 83.4 overs, securing their eighth consecutive win in the format.
Markram, who had led South Africa to victory in the 2014 U19 Men's Cricket World Cup, once again played a pivotal role in securing a major senior championship win, their first since the 1998 ICC Knockout, known as the Champions Trophy.
Resuming at 213/2, South Africa faced an early setback when Temba Bavuma edged a back-of-the-length delivery from Cummins to the keeper, falling for 66 off 134 balls. With Nathan Lyon getting some turn, South Africa had to navigate nervy moments as Australia maintained pressure and restricted free runs.
Markram eased the tension by hitting Cummins for a boundary, followed by a pull through mid-wicket. However, Australia struck again when Mitchell Starc bowled Tristan Stubbs, removing the leg-stump bail.
Australia's desperation was evident when they wasted their third review of the innings. Markram and David Bedingham remained calm and steadily rotated the strike, inching closer to the target.
The deficit fell below 20 when Bedingham played a smooth on-drive off Cummins, energising the Proteas supporters. The crowd erupted when Markram whipped Hazlewood through mid-wicket for four, followed by three runs in the same area on the next ball.
Although Markram was dismissed for 136 by Hazlewood, Kyle Verreynne secured the win by carving Starc through cover-point, sparking joyous celebrations among players, supporters, family members, and former players both at Lord's and back in South Africa.
First Published:
June 14, 2025, 18:23 IST
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