Can South Africa Finally End Their ICC Title Drought with a Win Over Australia?

London, June 14 (NationPress) After enduring years of disappointment and heartbreak in knockout matches of major tournaments, South Africa has triumphantly shattered a 27-year knockout curse, claiming championship glory with a six-wicket victory over Australia to secure the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final on the fourth day of play at Lord's on Saturday.

Having ended day three at 213/2 in pursuit of 282, South Africa stood on the brink of achieving greatness. However, given their history of faltering in critical moments against seasoned champions and WTC title-holders Australia, many were understandably cautious despite a glimmer of optimism.

Markram, who ended day three with an unbeaten 102, trusted his aggressive instincts to lead South Africa to glory, scoring a spectacular 136 as the Proteas completed their chase in 83.4 overs, marking their eighth consecutive victory in this format.

Having played a pivotal role in South Africa's triumph at the 2014 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, Markram again stepped up, guiding the team to a significant senior championship win, their first since the 1998 ICC Knockout, also known as the Champions Trophy.

Resuming from 213/2, South Africa faced an early setback when Temba Bavuma edged a back-of-the-length delivery from Cummins to the keeper, departing for 55 off 134 balls. With Nathan Lyon spinning the ball, South Africa had to navigate a tense path as Australia applied relentless pressure without offering easy runs.

Markram eased the tension by striking Cummins for four, then confidently pulling him through mid-wicket for another boundary. However, Australia struck again when Mitchell Starc bowled out a nervous Tristan Stubbs, knocking off the leg-stump bail.

Once Australia squandered their third review, a clear indication of desperation, the momentum shifted. Markram and David Bedingham showcased calmness while rotating the strike, inching South Africa closer to victory.

The deficit dipped below 20 when Bedingham executed a graceful on-drive off Cummins, igniting the crowd of Proteas supporters. The excitement peaked when Markram whipped Josh Hazlewood through mid-wicket for four, followed by three runs in the same manner on the next ball.

Though Markram could not finish the chase after flicking to mid-wicket, falling for 136 off Hazlewood, Kyle Verreynne sealed the victory by driving Starc through cover-point, sparking jubilant celebrations in the dressing room, among loyal fans, family, and former players at the Home of Cricket, as well as back home in South Africa.

Brief scores:

Australia 212 and 207 lost to South Africa 138 and 282/5 in 83.4 overs (Aiden Markram 136, Temba Bavuma 66; Mitchell Starc 3-66, Josh Hazlewood 1-58) by five wickets