South Africa Triumphs Over Australia to Secure First ICC World Test Championship Title

Historic Victory for South Africa
On June 14, South Africa achieved a monumental milestone by winning their inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title, overcoming Australia by five wickets at Lord's. This victory not only marks the end of their long-standing struggles in knockout stages but also dispels the infamous 'chokers' label that has haunted them for years.
Aiden Markram's brilliant century, along with significant contributions from captain Temba Bavuma and pacer Kagiso Rabada, played a crucial role in this historic win. With this triumph, South Africa has secured their first world title in international cricket, adding to their previous ICC trophy from the 1998 ICC Knockout.
Starting day four at 213/2, South Africa needed just 69 runs to clinch the title, with Bavuma (66*) and Markram (102*) at the crease. However, Cummins struck early, dismissing Bavuma for 66, leaving South Africa at 217/3.
Tristan Stubbs joined Markram, who continued to play cautiously while rotating the strike. After a drinks break, Mitchell Starc took out Stubbs for eight runs, leaving South Africa at 241/4, still needing 41 runs to win.
David Bedingham then partnered with Markram, steadily reducing the target. A classy on-drive from Bedingham brought the target down to below 20 runs, while Markram's boundary through mid-wicket cut it to just 10 runs.
Markram's impressive innings concluded with a catch from Head, scoring 136 off 207 balls, including 14 fours. With only six runs remaining, Kyle Verreyne stepped up to hit the winning runs for South Africa.
Despite Starc's three wickets for Australia, it was not enough to change the outcome.
Earlier, South Africa had ended day three at 213/2, needing 69 runs to win. Australia had begun day three at 144/8, with Starc and Lyon unbeaten. Starc made history by scoring a half-century, the first by a batter at nine or below in an ICC tournament knockout match, contributing to Australia's total of 207.
Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi were the standout bowlers for South Africa, taking 4/59 and 3/38, respectively.
In their first innings, South Africa struggled after starting at 43/4, with Bavuma and Bedingham attempting to stabilize the innings. However, a remarkable six-wicket haul by Cummins left them reeling at 138 runs, trailing by 74 runs.
In the second innings, South Africa's bowlers dominated, reducing Australia to 73/7. A partnership between Alex Carey and Starc helped Australia reach 144/8 by the end of day two.
On the first day, South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl, dominating the early sessions with Rabada and Jansen's fiery spells, which saw Australia reduced to 67/4. A partnership between Smith and Webster helped Australia reach 212 all out.
Brief Scores: Australia: 212 and 207 (Mitchell Starc 58*, Alex Carey 43, Kagiso Rabada 4/59) against SA: 138 and 282/5 (Aiden Markram 136, Temba Bavuma 65*, Mitchell Starc 3/63).