South Africa Clinches First ICC Trophy in 27 Years by Defeating Australia
Final Match Overview
The much-anticipated 'Ultimate Test' has concluded with South Africa crowned as the new champions, triumphing over the defending champions, Australia, by a solid margin of 5 wickets. After winning the toss, the Proteas chose to bat first, inviting the Australians to take the crease. In a surprising move, Marnus Labuschagne opened the batting alongside veteran Usman Khawaja, but this strategy backfired as the team could only muster 212 runs.
First Innings Breakdown
Steve Smith and Beau Webster were the standout performers for Australia, scoring 66 and 72 runs respectively, helping the team surpass the 200-run mark. However, the rest of the batting lineup faltered, with three players, including opener Khawaja, failing to score. Kagiso Rabada was the star of the bowling attack, claiming 5 wickets, while Marco Jensen supported him with 3 wickets. Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj each took 1 wicket.
South Africa's batting effort in their first innings was disappointing, as they were bowled out for just 138 runs. David Bedingham was the top scorer for the Proteas with 45 runs. Pat Cummins led the Australian bowling attack with an impressive 6-wicket haul, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood contributed with 2 and 1 wickets respectively.
Second Innings Highlights
With a 74-run lead, Australia began their second innings but quickly fell apart against South Africa's pace attack, spearheaded by Rabada. Mitchell Starc's half-century helped the team reach 207 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled. Rabada took 4 wickets, while Lungi Ngidi claimed 3, and Jensen, Mulder, and Markram each took 1 wicket.
Chasing a target of 282 runs, Aiden Markram shone brightly for South Africa, scoring a remarkable 136 runs, making him the only South African to score a century in an ICC final. Captain Temba Bavuma also contributed significantly with 66 runs, as the Australian bowlers struggled to contain the Proteas' batting prowess.