At long last, South Africa have tasted championship glory. In a dominant performance against Australia, they clinched the ICC World Test Championship title for the first time. With this victory, the Proteas have finally shed the “chokers” tag and claimed their first ICC trophy in 27 years.
Since winning the ICC KnockOut Trophy in 1998, South Africa had come close to glory multiple times over the past three decades — only to stumble at the final hurdle, whether in semi-finals or finals. Time and again, luck deserted them, leaving their players and fans heartbroken. Even on June 29 last year, they failed to secure the T20 World Cup title against India despite having the game in their grasp. Now, exactly 350 days later, the curse has been broken as South Africa win the World Test Championship.
Captain Temba Bavuma, whose dream was shattered last year, took it upon himself to make sure history wouldn’t repeat itself. He was ably supported by Aiden Markram.
Chasing a target of 282 runs, South Africa found themselves at 70 for 2 before a crucial 147-run partnership between Markram and Bavuma brought them within reach of victory. While Bavuma contributed a valuable 66 runs, it was Markram’s brilliant knock of 136 that played a pivotal role in the historic win.
South Africa defeated Australia by 5 wickets in the final of the World Test Championship. Despite pressure throughout the match, Markram’s century in the second innings anchored South Africa’s chase. Thanks to his outstanding performance, the Proteas have finally laid the “chokers” label to rest and emerged as Test cricket’s world champions.
