South Africa ended a 27-year wait for a major global cricket title by defeating Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's. The Proteas secured a five-wicket victory, marking a historic moment in their cricketing history.

Match Highlights

• Day Four Drama: South Africa resumed their second innings at 213-2, needing 69 runs to win. Despite early wickets, Aiden Markram's superb 136-run innings steered them close to victory.
• Key Performances: Kagiso Rabada's 5-51 in the first innings and Markram's century were pivotal. Mitchell Starc's 3-66 kept Australia in the hunt.
• Final Moments: David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne saw South Africa through, with Verreynne hitting the winning runs.

Historical Context

South Africa became the third team to win the World Test Championship, following New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023). Their chase of 282 is the joint second-highest successful run chase at Lord's, surpassed only by West Indies' 342 in 1984.

Player Reactions

Aiden Markram, the only centurion in the match, missed the chance to hit the winning runs but received a standing ovation. South Africa's players erupted in celebration, finally shedding the 'chokers' tag.

Future of Test Cricket

The victory raises questions about the financial sustainability of Test cricket, a topic of ongoing debate in the cricketing world.

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South Africa's triumph is a testament to their resilience and skill, marking a new chapter in their cricketing legacy.