From Kagiso Rabada with the ball initially to Aiden Markram with the bat later, South Africa found heroes who battled the odds as well as public perception to forge an evergreen global triumph

The choker tag has finally been put to rest. South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets to win their maiden World Test Championship title on Saturday.

South Africa’s Captain Temba Bavuma lifts the ICC World Test Championship Mace as he celebrates with teammates after victory on day four of the ICC World Test Championship cricket final match between Australia and South Africa, at Lord’s cricket ground in London, on June 14, 2025. South Africa won the Test by five wickets. AFP

A riveting World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa went a long way to boost the sagging credentials of the five-day game, but the format of the competition is in need of a revamp,

South Africa won a historic ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's on Saturday. The Proteas claimed a 5-wicket win over Australia, becoming the third different side to win the global ICC event since its introduction in 2019. It has been a brilliant tournament, keeping the magic of Test cricket alive.

A riveting World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa went a long way to boost the sagging credentials of the five-day game, but the format of the competition is in need of a revamp,