Historically, South Africa has struggled in ICC knockout rounds, experiencing two quarter-final exits, 12 semi-final defeats, and one loss in a final.
The victory came in a tense finish, as they took 27.4 overs to gradually accumulate the 69 runs needed for success on the fourth day at Lord’s, resuming their innings at 213-2 overnight.
With this achievement, South Africa also completed a pursuit of the joint second-highest winning fourth-innings total in Test history at the iconic venue.
This marks a significant cricketing triumph for South Africa, who had developed an unfortunate reputation for falling short in key moments in limited-overs competitions over the past decades.
This was their inaugural appearance in the WTC final, with opener Aiden Markram delivering an outstanding innings of 136, ensuring their victory.
Markram, who reached his century late on the third day, added 34 more runs on Saturday, playing cautiously before falling to a brilliant catch by Travis Head when just six runs were required for victory.
Kyle Verreynne scored the winning run and finished unbeaten on four, alongside David Bedingham, who contributed an undefeated 21.
“It was the most nervous I’ve ever been. I didn’t want to come out to bat, but when Aiden was out, I had no choice,” Verreynne remarked.
South Africa began the fourth day as favorites to win, albeit with nerves, given past disappointments, and their anxiety increased when captain Temba Bavuma was dismissed in the morning’s third over.
A rising delivery from Australia’s captain Pat Cummins caught an edge, leading to Bavuma’s departure after adding just one run to his overnight score of 65.
Australia attempted two unsuccessful reviews of not out decisions as they pursued another breakthrough before Mitchell Starc clean bowled Tristan Stubbs for eight, with 41 runs still required.
Markram and Bedingham then methodically built a 35-run partnership to bring them close to victory, which was ultimately secured in the final over before lunch.
Entering the match as underdogs, South Africa won the toss on the opening day and made the bold decision to bowl first, which paid off as Kagiso Rabada recorded figures of 5-51 and dismissed the defending champions for 212.
South Africa’s response of 138 meant Australia held a 74-run lead, which expanded as they scored 207 in their second innings, with their tail end recovering from a precarious 73-7.
However, South Africa capitalized on a significant shift in pitch conditions—after 24 wickets fell over the first two days—batting patiently to achieve a historic victory.
(With Reuters inputs)
