Rishabh Pant Celebrates Aiden Markram's Historic Performance in WTC Final

Pant's Tribute to Markram Amidst National Duties

While managing his responsibilities with the Indian cricket team in Kent, Rishabh Pant took a moment to honor a significant achievement at Lord's. The South African team clinched the ICC World Test Championship 2025 title by successfully chasing down a target of 282 runs against Australia. Pant's admiration was particularly directed towards Aiden Markram, his teammate from the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, who played a pivotal role in this victory.

Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Pant expressed his admiration for Markram's impressive innings of 136 runs, which was crucial in ending South Africa's 27-year wait for an ICC title and securing their first major trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy.

On the fourth day of the WTC final, the atmosphere at Lord's was charged with anticipation as South Africa resumed their innings at 213/2, needing just 69 runs to make history, a task that many past South African teams had failed to accomplish.

Here is what Pant wrote:

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,”

Markram, who had previously been dismissed for a duck in the first innings, remained composed and was on 102* as the day began, alongside his captain Temba Bavuma, who was visibly struggling with a hamstring injury.

As the first ball of the day was bowled, cricket fans held their breath. South Africa has often been associated with semi-final disappointments and missed chances, but this time, they displayed resilience.

Markram's steady performance brought the Proteas close to victory before he was eventually out for 136, just six runs shy of the win. His innings, marked by elegance and determination, will be remembered as a historic moment in South African cricket.

Bavuma, battling through pain, stood firm at the crease, embodying determination, while Kyle Verreynne sealed the victory with a well-placed cover drive, finally putting to rest the ghosts of past failures amidst jubilant celebrations.