South Africa Breaks the Curse: Triumphs Over Australia in Epic WTC Final Showdown
Markram’s heroic century and Bavuma’s grit power Proteas to historic five-wicket win at Lord’s

London, June 14: South Africa have finally broken free from their long-standing ICC jinx, pulling off a gritty five-wicket victory over Australia in the WTC Final at Lord’s on Saturday. The win ends a 27-year drought for the Proteas, whose last global silverware came in 1998. It wasn’t just a match—they exorcised decades of demons on cricket’s grandest stage.
A Final Day To Remember, And Then Some
When Day 4 began, South Africa needed just 69 runs. They had seven wickets in hand, and a cool-headed Aiden Markram already well-set. But with the weight of past collapses hanging over them, nothing could be taken for granted. The early dismissal of captain Temba Bavuma, bravely batting through a hamstring niggle, was a reminder of just how easily things could slip.
But Markram wasn’t about to let this one get away.
He batted as if possessed—calm, clean, and utterly unfazed by the moment. His eventual 137 was the kind of innings that makes you forget the scoreboard and simply watch in awe. He fell near the end, with just six runs needed, but by then the damage to Australia’s chances was already done.
Markram’s Knock: Class And Composure Under Pressure
To say Aiden Markram batted brilliantly doesn’t quite do it justice. From the moment he walked in, his intent was clear—not flashy, but assured. He judged length impeccably, punished anything remotely loose, and refused to be drawn into risky strokes. What stood out was his clarity—on a pitch that had started offering a bit of uneven bounce.
His 137 off 221 balls had 17 crisp boundaries, none more elegant than the straight drive off Mitchell Starc early in the morning session. It wasn’t just technically sound; it was symbolic. South Africa were here to play—and win.
Australia’s Bowling Falters At The Wrong Time
For Australia, this one will sting. Their first innings lead and Pat Cummins’ devastating 6/28 had them holding all the cards. But the batters couldn’t build a cushion in the second innings, and when the bowlers needed breakthroughs, they couldn’t find them. Josh Hazlewood beat the bat plenty, but there was no real scoreboard pressure. Nathan Lyon turned a few past the edge, but by then the fielders were spread too wide.
Credit where it’s due—South Africa refused to panic. They never gave Australia a sniff.
Closing It Out, With Calm And Class
After Markram’s dismissal, Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham kept their heads down. There were no histrionics. Just singles, soft hands, and quiet conversations between the wickets. It was Kyle Verreynne, walking in at No. 7, who had the honour of hitting the winning run. A push into the on-side, and with that, 27 years of heartbreak gave way to raw, euphoric release.
Lord’s erupted. Not in the frenzied way of a local derby, but with the kind of roar that comes when something truly historic happens.
History Made, Demons Laid To Rest
There’s no point dressing it up—South Africa have been haunted by the ‘chokers’ tag for years. From Sydney in ’99 to the heartbreaks in Dhaka, Delhi, and Birmingham, they’ve been there and fallen short. Not this time.
This was measured, composed, and relentless. It was a team that knew its scars—and had finally figured out how to stop picking at them.
According to The Guardian, this was the second-highest successful fourth-innings chase at Lord’s. But it wasn’t just a record—it was a reclamation.
A Turning Point For Both Sides
This result could mark a seismic shift. South Africa, now crowned Test champions, have young names like Coetzee, Stubbs, and Bedingham blending beautifully with the senior pros. And Bavuma, injury or not, leads a team that clearly believes in itself.
Australia, meanwhile, head into uncertain waters. The core that lifted the WTC mace two years ago is aging. David Warner is already on borrowed time. Questions will be asked about whether this side needs a shake-up—perhaps not in talent, but in direction.
A Night To Remember, A Future To Watch
The celebrations at Lord’s lasted long after the final run. For every South African watching—at the ground, back home, or anywhere in between—it wasn’t just about winning. It was about arrival. Arrival at the top. On their terms.
A trophy was lifted. But more than that, a nation breathed out.
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Ankit Tiwari is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, dedicated to bringing readers comprehensive daily coverage of the world of sports. A student at Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, Ankit combines his academic pursuit with a deep understanding of various sports, from major international tournaments to emerging local talent. His daily reporting aims to capture the excitement, strategy, and human stories that define athletic competition.