Has South Africa Finally Secured the Trophy They've Long Desired?

London, June 14 (NationPress) A thrilled Dale Steyn expressed his joy over South Africa's triumph in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship, stating that the team has finally secured a precious trophy they have long pursued.

At Lord's, the Proteas concluded 27 years of disappointment in major cricket tournaments by defeating Australia by five wickets, clinching a significant global ICC title. The chase for 282 was bolstered by Aiden Markram's remarkable 136 and captain Temba Bavuma's 66.

“The support at Lord’s — particularly from the English fans — seemed to lean towards South Africa as well. Perhaps the Ashes rivalry played a role, but it definitely helped. This was a monumental match, and the team performed brilliantly. It was an impeccably structured Test — when it counted, the leading players rose to the occasion,” he remarked.

“KG Rabada took crucial wickets, Pat Cummins contributed, Mitchell Starc delivered runs and wickets, Aiden Markram stepped up during critical moments, and Temba Bavuma guided the team to victory. It was a fantastic final, and I am just overjoyed for South Africa — they have finally won a trophy they have been aiming for so long,” said JioStar expert Steyn during the Cricket Live show.

The legendary fast bowler commended South Africa’s consistency and determination to rise to the occasion against a formidable Australian team. “From the beginning of this World Test Championship cycle, South Africa recognized the need to win a specific number of games to reach the final — and they accomplished that, winning seven consecutively, irrespective of the opponents,” he added.

“No matter whom you face, any player who has participated in Test cricket will attest that winning even a single Test match is never straightforward. To win seven in a row, secure a place in the final, and ultimately emerge victorious today — that’s monumental,” he continued.

“Both teams are giants in cricket. They have maintained a fierce rivalry for years. Australia commands immense respect from every South African cricketer for their achievements, especially their world titles. Thus, South Africa understood the magnitude of this test,” he elaborated.

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden commended South Africa for making critical breakthroughs that led to their championship victory. “The heritage of Australian cricket — their results and performances in ICC events — illustrates how much this team thrives on significant occasions. I honestly cannot recall the last time Australia was defeated at Lord's; it’s been about 22 years of supremacy here,” he remarked.

“For this South African team, which is relatively inexperienced compared to Australia in the current World Test Championship cycle, this outcome is extraordinary. Take someone like Lungi Ngidi — virtually unplayable in the first innings, and then in the second, when it mattered most, he dismissed Steve Smith,” he noted.

“That moment was critical. Smith is such an iconic figure in the Australian setup, and from that point, South Africa maintained their momentum. That’s what finals are all about — finding a way,” he concluded.