Watch: Keshav Maharaj Chokes Up After South Africa Win World Test Championship
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South Africa ended their ICC title drought by winning the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final against Australia.
Keshav Maharaj was teary-eyed after South Africa ended their ICC title drought with a five-wicket victory over Australia to win the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final.
The left-arm spinner expressed that winning the coveted Test mace at Lord's was an absolute honour as South Africa broke their 27-year knockout curse to win the ICC World Test Championship for the first time.
Keshav Maharaj , the only Indian-origin player to touch the WTC trophy.His Interview with graham smith can make Even Adult Cry 🥲
Congratulations South Africa 🇿🇦 and Captain Temba For making this History. #WtcFinal2025 #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/3aZYGK3AZl
— Devendra Soni (@DevendraSo37461) June 14, 2025
'It's special, it's an honour to lift the cup for everyone out here and back home. It's what the country's about, the unity among everyone in the last five days. We're very grateful, as a team, as a nation, as a proud country."
'I think the emotions would have spurred me in the right direction had I got into bat. Thanks to everyone who's been supporting us; through adversity, we've stood strong. We honour those who've come before us, and may this be a stepping stone for greater things to come," said Maharaj at the conclusion of the title clash.
Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen was left in awe of Aiden Markram's magnificent 136 in the incredible chase. 'Don't know what to say; I was sitting there praying, luckily we got the job done. A lot of nerves in the change room, and a lot of guys are quiet, but to have the crowd cheering every single run, you can't ask for more. Markram was unbelievable, he and Temba took us home. I think that's what dreams are made of. Dreams are meant to be achieved, and we're going to celebrate really, really well."
Lungi Ngidi stated that he was speechless about becoming a WTC winner. 'The other evening with that spell was about to break the game open. The excitement kept me going. I can't say much now. I am very proud of what the boys have achieved. It's been a lot of emotions, and the blood pressure is quite high."
Kyle Verreynne, who hit the winning runs, said he was just relieved to hit the winning runs for South Africa. 'I'm just relieved – I was sitting there watching the morning session thinking 'I don't want to bat, I don't want to bat!' Obviously, Aiden did beautifully, but walking out to the middle, I was as nervous as I've ever been. You can listen to the whole ground singing. Probably getting a little emotional now. It's incredible."
David Bedingham described the winning feeling as 'amazing'. 'Very nervous, but the way Aiden and Temba went about it made us calm. Thank goodness we got over the line. The sun plays a massive factor; we got lucky with the conditions. It's been 27 years, and I am so thankful we got over the line."
First Published:
June 14, 2025, 20:56 IST
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