Champions at last: Ramaphosa, Rassie, South Africa and the world rejoice with Proteas
History was made under the sunny skies of London as the Proteas claimed their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title, defeating Australia by five wickets at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground - and with it, burying decades of near-misses and heartbreak on the global stage.
FIRST TAKE | Feel it, an ICC title is finally here as Proteas choke no more
Aiden Markram was the hero of the day, his sublime 136 anchoring South Africa's successful chase of 282.
The Proteas reached their target on the fourth morning, finishing on 282-5 to spark scenes of jubilation from Cape Town to London and everywhere in between.
It was a moment to savour, not just for the team, but for a country starved of cricketing silverware.
In 18 prior attempts across ODI and T20 World Cups, South Africa had only managed to reach a single final, last year's bitter 2024 T20 World Cup loss to India in Barbados still fresh in memory. This time, however, they held firm.
Starting the day on 213-2, the Proteas showed composure and clarity.
Markram, who brought up his century the day before, guided the chase with ice in his veins, departing only when South Africa were six runs from glory.
Social media erupted.
Among the many who shared their joy was two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, whose post summed up the collective pride of a sporting nation finally tasting cricketing immortality.
And the rest followed.
From fellow Proteas legends to fans draped in green and gold, the celebration swept across timelines and touchpoints.
Congratulations to the Proteas the ICC Test Champions . We are proud of Captain Themba Bavuma for leading from the front.
A victory for you and for the nation.
#WtcFinal2025
โ Cyril Ramaphosa ๐ฟ๐ฆ (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 14, 2025
Jaaaaa man coach Shukz and @ProteasMenCSA! So proud Lekka ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฟ๐ฆ
โ Johan Erasmus (@RassieRugby) June 14, 2025
The Proteas finally did it!!! pic.twitter.com/EhicUwjzKa
โ Mo (@Moretlo_M) June 14, 2025
Sporting wise? This definitely seems to be South Africa's period right now. Football all age groups, Bafana Bafana, Bafana CHAN qualification, Bafana COSAFA Cup team in the final tomorrow, Athletics 4x100m and individuals, Springboks and now Proteas? DAMN! ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฟ๐ฆ pic.twitter.com/2lxrdqf0sc
โ Yoza Qoshe (@Yolulwe_Qoshe) June 14, 2025
๐๐๐๐คโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
๐ค๐๐๐๐คโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
๐ค๐ค๐๐๐๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค
๐ค๐ค๐ค๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐ค๐ค๐ค๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐ค๐ค๐๐๐๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค
๐ค๐๐๐๐ค๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐ค๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Thank you Proteas!
โ Sinethemba Mbatha (@SnezzyMbatha) June 14, 2025
I remember where I was In 2011 when we lost to NZL,I remember where I was in 2015 when we lost to NZL,I remember where I was when we lost to India in 2024 and today I'll always remember where I was when destiny arrived as the Proteas are crowned World Champions
Drink it in
โ Matthew Bauer (@MB5Plug) June 14, 2025
3 PROTEAS ๐ญ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ pic.twitter.com/zsdRglG1hW
โ Lama The Great ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฉ (@LamaTheCule) June 14, 2025
Do you guys realise that we're part of the generation that has made history?! Yoh! ๐ฅ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ญ Proteas bathong!!!
โ Zenande Funani (@NandeFunani) June 14, 2025
What a time to be alive, witnessing the Proteas win an International trophy! ๐ญ
โ Phume (@phume22) June 14, 2025
I AM WATCHING THE PROTEAS WIN A TROPHY ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ pic.twitter.com/YcJpwbEwvH
โ Lesilo Rula (@kay_mahapa) June 14, 2025
That first innings score of 45 from David Bedingham will go under the radar but it was a big factor in getting the first innings deficit under 100.
It was a big knock in the context of the game as no other Proteas batter went past 40 in the that innings
โ Austin 3:16๐ฟ๐ฆ (@Lloydbhudda) June 14, 2025
Proteas deserved winners at Lord's.
Went into WTC final as underdogs. Faltered a few times, but stayed in the fight.
Some will describe the result as a shock (in the context of Proteas in finals) but in many ways it was a typical never-say-day performance from a gutsy SA side.
โ Jon Cardinelli (@jon_cardinelli) June 14, 2025
Apparently we played nobodies to qualify for this final. Now we've beaten the biggest nobodies of them all!! COME ON PROTEAS!! #WORLDTESTCHAMPIONS!! ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฟ๐ฆ
โ Thabiso TT Tema (@ThabisoTema) June 14, 2025
Chokers no more.
Proteas win ๐ #ICCWTC2025Final pic.twitter.com/ycWFgIt9KF
โ ๐บ๐
๐ ๐ชถ (@shufflesdu) June 14, 2025
The first two were the heartbreak that almost broke us. 34 years of waiting - photo 3 speaks volumes.
Well done Proteas. #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/tZdE5HvIqB
โ Brenden Nel (@Brendennel) June 14, 2025
Somethings are meant to be call it destiny !
Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada helped the Proteas U19s win the World Cup in 2014 and 11 years later they've helped the Proteas win the Test championship.
Rabada taking 9 wickets and Markram scoring 136 in the final ! pic.twitter.com/pO50jKs5Ev
โ Matthew Bauer (@MB5Plug) June 14, 2025
Imagine having to tell your kids there was a time when the Proteas couldn't reach a final, the Boks lost by 50+ points to NZ and Bafana qualifying for a World Cup was a pipe dream
โ The Saffa Georgist (@Andre1339781) June 14, 2025
There's really a generation of kids that have only seen Springbok and Proteas glory and a Bafana resurgenceโฆspoiled brats
โ Thulani (@Capone_Elect) June 14, 2025
After all the decades of pain and suffering in all the knockout matches that didn't work out, today the Proteas Men have won a major ICC final, and proven SA just can't stop winning! What a moment, what a team, and what a country. Against the odds, we are the Champions! ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/I4Oe5bTbM2
โ Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) June 14, 2025
Never thought I would live to see this moment. ๐ญ
It's amazing what a united change room can achieve on the field. It all starts in the change room, winning starts in the change rooms.
Congratulations to Bavuma and his team. Thank you Proteas. pic.twitter.com/drchlIYAdS
โ Blacks in Whites (@BlaqsInCricket) June 14, 2025
๐ด South Africa are #WtcFinal2025 CHAMPIONS!! ๐ด
27 years later, and SA win an ICC trophy!!!
Well done to Coach Shukri Conrad, Captain @TembaBavuma, and the entire @ProteasMenCSA TEAM!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!โฆ
โ robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) June 14, 2025
OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY THE WARD COUNCILLOR OF LANGA ON THE VICTORY OF CAPTAIN TEMBA BAVUMA AND THE PROTEAS AT THE WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL #BavumaHomeComing #WozaNawe #ProteaFire #WtcFinal2025 pic.twitter.com/R1QgbMrbz8
โ Ta Phaks (@PhaksPhothinja) June 14, 2025
South Africa won their first ICC trophy under the leadership of a Black African cricketer, Temba Bavuma.
This is why reservation and social justice are necessary for any country's progress.
Temba bavuma is a living example for that. #WtcFinal2025 pic.twitter.com/Q8wXgc30mw
โ Dr Nimo Yadav 2.0 (@DrNimoYadav) June 14, 2025
He was mocked for his height
He was mocked for his looks
He was called Quota Product
He was abused
He was insulted
Today, He gifted South Africa an ICC trophy despite battling with a injury.
Temba Bavuma, The greatest to lead South Africa โฅ๏ธ #WtcFinal2025 pic.twitter.com/PPExJ4Dzwi
โ ๐จIndian Gems (@IndianGems_) June 14, 2025
what a moment this must be for Shukri Conrad, @ProteasMenCSA coach. His own father, who died recently, was a fine cricketer denied the opportunity to play for his country (along with many others of that era). And here he is at Lord's holding the mace: full circle. #WtcFinal2025
โ judith february (@judith_february) June 14, 2025
Bavuma fired shots to all the doubters pic.twitter.com/QtF8sdzoVM
โ Werner (@Werries_) June 14, 2025
A well-deserved drink for Aiden Markram ๐ pic.twitter.com/xlrT0zCtgk
โ ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 14, 2025
Show Comments ()
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Tatjana Maria crowned queen of Queen's as women's tournament celebrates triumphant return
Fifty-two years ago Olga Morozova was the last woman to lift the Queen's trophy. Her stint as defending champion lasted until Tatjana Maria lifted an enormous new trophy โ the old one lost to the mists of time โ on Sunday. It crowned a week in which the traditions of one of tennis' most hallowed tournaments merged with the contemporary drive to push women's sport to ever-greater heights. This time a year ago there was outrage from some quarters at the thought the women would return to Queen's after a fifty-year absence. Members of the prestigious west London club objected to their facilities being taken out of action for even longer than usual; there were concerns over wear on the grass ahead of the men's event. A bloc of Queen's members even attempted to force the board to resign over the concept of dragging the tournament into the 21st century. Advertisement If that felt hideously backward last year, it appears even more near-sighted today, after a triumphant week for the rejuvenated women's event. (Even the British weather largely cooperated, barring a couple of rain delays early on.) And it felt fitting that the tournament's debut would have two trailblazers, in different ways, in the final. The surprise package of the week has been qualifier Tatjana Maria. A 37-year-old veteran of the tour, she took two breaks from the game to have daughters Charlotte, 11, and Cecilia, four, who accompany her โ along with her coach-husband Charles-Edouard โ to every tournament. Tatjana Maria topped off a fairytale run by becoming the oldest WTA 500 champion (Getty Images) The German reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon in 2022 but hasn't found the same level since, enduring a nine-match losing streak before coming to Queen's. 'It's the perfect example to never give up and always keep going, because I'm still here and living this dream,' she said on Friday. It certainly is. Advertisement On the other side of the net was 23-year-old Amanda Anisimova, a former teenage prodigy, who showcased her incredible potential with a run to the French Open semi-finals aged just 17. Tennis abounds with cautionary tales of young stars who burn brightly and then burn out; Anisimova, struggling with the stress of life on tour, took a break in 2023 to look after her mental health and rediscover who she was. Taking a step back worked wonders, and she has reached new heights since her return, winning her maiden WTA 1000 title earlier this year and moving up to a career-high ranking of 15th. World No 86 Maria was the underdog by ranking going into this final. Then again, she has been in every match she has played this week, but her guile and experience have seen her through. The low bounce of grass perfectly suits her crafty, unconventional game, built on a slice that has been confounding the world's best players all week. Maria was surrounded by her family, who accompany her on the tour, after her victory (Getty Images) She dispatched 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the quarter- and semi-finals; she rapidly got on top of Anisimova, a player with a similar power-hitting style. Maria denied Anisimova any rhythm, taking all the pace off the ball, and earned a chance to break early with a crunching topspin forehand. She took the chance and raced to a 4-1 lead in 15 minutes, with Anisimova already baffled at how to deal with this most bamboozling of opponents. Advertisement The young American's formidable groundstrokes helped get her back on serve, but she could not build any momentum, and Maria immediately broke back, holding to love to seal the first set. The German โ now the oldest WTA 500 finalist, and oldest champion โ broke at the start of the second, her ability to mix slice and spin with a deft touch at the net continuing to get the better of her big-hitting opponent. One point, on Maria's serve at 2-1, summed up the match: Anisimova fired down smash after smash, only for Maria to dig each one out at the baseline, before the American eventually hit long. She looked on the verge of tears. Maria held after a mammoth 20-point game, then broke again, picking up a backhand volley that was mere millimetres away from bouncing twice to seal it. Anisimova reduced her deficit to just one break and stuck with the German in the latter stages of the set, but there was no getting past an inspired Maria. The American blasted a forehand wide on championship point, and Maria sealed the biggest singles title of her career, 6-3, 6-4. 'I wouldn't be surprised to see you in the Wimbledon final,' Anisimova said afterwards, jokingly adding, 'I think that bigger champagne bottle is for me, because I need it more.' Anisimova struggled to get any rhythm against a crafty opponent (Getty Images for LTA) Maria, whose speed and agility on the court belied her age, jumped for joy and raced to celebrate with her family โ although her four-year-old may have missed the moment of her mother's biggest triumph, sleeping peacefully in the player's box. 'Queen of Queens', the 37-year-old wrote on the camera lens. Advertisement Both players thanked the appreciative crowds, Anisimova adding, 'For you to come out and support women's tennis so much, it means a lot'. The crowd has certainly got behind the new tournament: around 80% of tickets were sold ahead of the first day's action, with the Andy Murray Arena filled to bursting on quarter-finals day on Friday, even before Emma Raducanu โ third on the schedule โ took to the court. Semi-finals day on Saturday sold out. The response from the players, too, has been resoundingly positive. Second seed Keys, one of the most high-profile women to feature, said after her quarter-final win on Friday that 'I think it's the best 500 that I have played'. She noted that the fact that it had already attracted such a competitive field in its first year โ including six Grand Slam champions and three of the current top 10, despite taking place immediately after the French Open โ made it a 'pretty high-level 500 right away'. Packed crowds attended each day of the inaugural women's event (Getty Images for LTA) Heather Watson, a veteran of British tennis, went further: 'I think it's huge for tennis in this country.' Katie Boulter, whose battle with Raducanu for the British No 1 spot has taken centre stage this week, said, 'Queen's is everything that I kind of dreamt it would be. I feel like it's a moment for women's tennis and women's sport in general right now.' Both Boulter and Maria called it a 'privilege' to play here. Advertisement At times the tournament proved unable to handle the scale of demand. The doubles partnership between Boulter and Raducanu proved such an attraction that punters queued for over an hour to access their first-round match. Warned that once they were let in, they would be unable to leave, fans opted against loo breaks and refills of Pimm's in favour of watching British tennis' two biggest stars. Their matches would likely have filled the 7,700-capacity Andy Murray Arena too, but due to the tournament's contractual obligations with the WTA, which prioritises singles matches on main courts, 'Boultercanu' were stuck on the standing-room-only Court 1. A thousand fans crammed in to cheer them on. Unlike the majority of mixed tournaments, Queen's is running its women's and men's events on separate weeks. That has meant that the thousands of spectators descending on west London each day have turned up in their masses solely to watch women's tennis. Those punters have had their faith repaid. Perhaps in the future the two tournaments will integrate fully โ although Keys quipped, 'I like when we don't have to share with the boys'. For now, the spotlight has been solely on the women; they have made sure it has been a blinding success.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Queen of Queen's: Age no barrier for champ mum-of-two
German qualifier Tatjana Maria has become the first woman to win a title at Queen's Club since 1973 after beating eighth seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3 6-4 on the Andy Murray Arena. The 37-year-old mother-of-two claimed the biggest title of her career on Sunday to cap off the first women's tournament held at the historic west London venue in 52 years. It was a family affair for Maria, whose daughters, 11-year-old Charlotte and four-year-old Cecilia, joined her husband and coach Charles-Edouard Maria in the front row to watch her dispatch American Anisimova in one hour and 23 minutes. What means the most ๐ฉถ@Maria_Tatjana | #HSBCChampionships โ wta (@WTA) June 15, 2025 Maria, who knocked out top-20 players Karolina Muchova, Elena Rybakina and Madison Keys en route, becomes the oldest player ever to win a WTA 500 event and the most venerable in any tour singles event since 2020, when Serena Williams - who also returned to tennis after having children - won in Auckland at 38. "It means a lot to me, because I'm 37 years old and I won this trophy today," said Maria, who confirmed she would like her career to last for at least another two years so she can play doubles as soon as her eldest is eligible. "In the past, people were always saying, 'you're too old', but actually I'm a good example that even at my age, you can still win big trophies. "I'm super proud of myself that I could win this tournament, because I always believed, and my husband too. "That's why we kept going, because there was aways this belief that I could win big tournaments and do great things on the tour, so I'm really, really proud of this." Maria replaces Olga Morozova, who once coached a young Andy Murray after whom the club's centre court is now named, as the most recent female winner at Queen's. Fittingly, she marked the venue's new chapter by scribbling "queen of Queen's" on the TV camera lens. Maria entered this WTA 500 tournament at 86th in the rankings, but the triumph will catapult her to No.43 when they update on Monday -- when Emma Raducanu will also officially take over from Katie Boulter as British No.1. The 2022 German Wimbledon semi-finalist Maria won her first WTA title on grass at Mallorca in 2018, following it with back-to-back clay court trophies at Bogota in 2023.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
German Maria becomes oldest WTA 500 winner with Queen's triumph
German tennis player Tatjana Maria celebrates winning the HSBC WTA Tennis Championships after defeating US' Amanda Anisimova at Queen's Club. Adam Davy/PA Wire/dpa German tennis veteran Tatjana Maria capped a sensational run with the biggest title of her career at Queen's Club in London on Sunday. The 37-year-old defeated American Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-4 in the final of the grass tournament and Wimbledon warm-up, securing the fourth title of her long career. Advertisement She is the oldest player ever to win a WTA 500 tournament. Maria frustrated her opponent, who is 14 years her junior, with sliced shots on both her forehand and backhand. The German spent most of the match on the defensive but made virtually no errors and chased down nearly every ball. Maria had already made a strong statement this week with outstanding victories over former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan and Australian Open winner Madison Keys from the United States. Wimbledon begins on June 30. In 2022, Maria achieved her greatest grand slam success there by reaching the semi-finals. Advertisement With her Queen's victory, the mother of two has returned to the top 50 in the rankings and, as of this Monday, is Germany's number one. She had previously been out of form and not won a match since April. Maria's previous tournament win came in Bogotรก, Colombia, in 2023. This was the first time in 52 years that London's Queen's Club had held a women's tournament. German tennis player Tatjana Maria celebrates winning the HSBC WTA Tennis Championships after defeating US' Amanda Anisimova at Queen's Club. Adam Davy/PA Wire/dpa
