Keshav Maharaj could barely get a word out. Breaking tradition, former South Africa captain Graeme Smith wrapped him in a hug during the post-match interview. Overwhelmed with emotion, Maharaj spoke through tears of joy, his words filled with gratitude for the supporters: “It’s special, to be able to lift the trophy for those who are here and those back home—it’s an honor. The unity over the last five days, that’s what our country is about. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who’s come to support us.”
It wasn’t just Maharaj. Every South African player who spoke after the match made sure to thank the fans. And understandably so—this was their first ICC title since 1998, and their very first “World Cup” win in the eyes of many.
Since winning the inaugural ICC KnockOut Trophy (now the Champions Trophy) in Dhaka in 1998, South Africa had endured heartbreak—eleven semifinal exits and one lost final. This time, they finally broke the curse, winning the ICC World Test Championship against Australia. And they had to do it the hard way—trailing by 74 runs after the first innings before staging a remarkable comeback.
Describing the nerve-wracking scenes in the dressing room, Marco Jansen said, “We were just sitting and praying, hoping we could get it done. Everyone was nervous. Some were silent, but the fans kept shouting for every single run—there’s nothing more you could ask for.”
Chasing 282 was never going to be easy, but Aiden Markram rose to the occasion with a brilliant 136-run knock, leading South Africa to victory and earning the Player of the Match award.
Reflecting on his innings, Markram said, “I’ve never scored more valuable runs. It’s strange how everything came together after getting out for a duck in the first innings. You need a bit of luck too. Lord’s is a place every cricketer wants to play at. A lot of South African fans turned up—it’s one of the most special days for them too.”
Helping ease the pressure on Markram was skipper Temba Bavuma, who battled through injury, limping his way to a crucial 66-run knock. Their 147-run partnership broke Australia’s grip on the match.
Markram was full of praise for his captain, saying, “For the last two or three years, he’s led us from the front. To go out there and play such an innings without going back to the dressing room—that’s something people will remember for a long time.”
