WTC Final: Is it a privilege to lift the cup for everyone out here and back home, says Maharaj?

London, June 14 (NationPress) After South Africa concluded their International Cricket Council (ICC) title drought by securing a five-wicket victory against Australia in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final, an emotional left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj expressed that achieving the prestigious Test mace at Lord’s has been a tremendous privilege.

By successfully chasing down 282 runs on the fourth day of the final, South Africa ended their 27-year title drought to claim the ICC World Test Championship for the first time. “It's special, it's an honour to lift the cup for everyone out here and back home. It's what the country stands for, the unity among everyone over the past five days. We are deeply thankful, as a team, as a nation, as a proud country.”

“I believe the emotions would have guided me positively had I batted. Our gratitude goes to everyone who has supported us through challenges; we have remained resilient. We pay tribute to those who paved the way before us; may this serve as a foundation for even greater achievements,” Maharaj remarked after the title clash.

Kagiso Rabada, who recorded a match total of nine wickets, shared that words cannot capture the feeling of winning the WTC final. “I am extremely happy; we prepared well and put in hard work. We earned our place here. Critics may say we haven't faced tough opponents, which is unfounded. We defeated Australia this time and needed to be at our best. Thank you to everyone for the support; the last four days felt like a home match.”

Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen expressed his admiration for Aiden Markram’s stunning 136 during the remarkable chase. "I’m at a loss for words; I was sitting there praying. Fortunately, we accomplished the task. There were a lot of nerves in the dressing room, and many players were quiet, but having the crowd cheering for each run was incredible. Markram was un-freaking-believable; he and Temba led us to victory. This is the stuff dreams are made of. Dreams are meant to be fulfilled, and we will celebrate intensely.”

Lungi Ngidi added that he is speechless about becoming a WTC winner. “That spell the other evening was a game-changer. The excitement kept me motivated. Words escape me right now. I am immensely proud of what the boys achieved. It has been an emotional journey, and my heart rate is through the roof.”

Kyle Verreynne, who scored the winning runs, expressed relief in contributing to South Africa's win. "I’m just relieved - I was watching the morning session thinking, 'I don't want to bat!' Obviously, Aiden performed beautifully, but walking to the crease, I was as nervous as ever. The entire ground sang; it’s probably making me emotional now. It's incredible.”

David Bedingham described the victorious feeling as ‘amazing’. “I was very anxious, but Aiden and Temba’s approach calmed us. Thank goodness we crossed the finish line. The sun played a significant role, and we were fortunate with the conditions. After 27 years, I am incredibly grateful that we succeeded.”