Lord's Cricket Ground witnessed scenes of unbridled joy and raw emotion on Saturday, June 14, 2025, as South Africa clinched the World Test Championship (WTC) title, defeating Australia by five wickets. The victory, which ended a 27-year drought for an ICC trophy in the men's senior category, sparked celebrations that resonated far beyond the hallowed grounds of Lord's, triggering an outpouring of emotion from players and fans alike.
Among the most poignant moments were those involving Keshav Maharaj and captain Temba Bavuma. Maharaj, the left-arm spinner, was overcome with emotion during a post-match interview with former captain Graeme Smith, his voice cracking and tears flowing freely as he tried to articulate the significance of the win. He expressed how much it meant to him, his teammates, the fans in England, and everyone back home. Maharaj described it as a true privilege to be part of something so significant after everything the country had endured. He had earlier admitted to the ICC, while South Africa was inching closer to victory, that he was already starting to get teary-eyed thinking about the win.
Bavuma, known for his stoic demeanor, was also seen trying to hide his tears, covering his face as the winning runs were scored. His leadership throughout the tournament, and particularly in the final, was instrumental in guiding the Proteas to victory. In the final, Bavuma battled through a hamstring injury, putting up a valiant fight alongside Aiden Markram. Markram, who was named Player of the Match, scored a crucial century, extending his overnight score to 136.
The pair had built a 143-run partnership which laid the foundation for the historic win. Maharaj had special praise for the duo at the crease, pointing out the hunger in Markram's eyes, and Bavuma's unwavering spirit while battling a niggle. He highlighted their clear and united approach, emphasizing their teamwork.
The emotional reactions from Maharaj and Bavuma underscored the immense pressure and expectations that have weighed on South African cricket for nearly three decades. Since their last ICC trophy win in 1998, the team has faced numerous heartbreaks and carried the unwanted tag of "chokers." This WTC victory, therefore, represented more than just a trophy; it was a symbol of redemption, resilience, and the breaking of a psychological barrier.
The victory was hard-earned, with South Africa having to chase down a tricky target of 282 against a formidable Australian bowling attack. Kagiso Rabada's impressive performance with the ball, taking nine wickets across both innings, was also pivotal. The win was sealed by Kyle Verreynne, who drove the ball through the covers for the winning runs, sparking jubilant scenes among the South African players and supporters.
Head Coach Shukri Conrad was also visibly emotional, dedicating the win to South Africa and praising the senior players who stepped up. Bavuma, despite his own emotional state, took the opportunity to address the "doubters," referencing the team's path to the final, which involved supposedly beating weaker teams. He emphasized that the victory was for them, and expressed his confidence that the people back home would be celebrating.
The scenes at Lord's served as a powerful reminder of the unifying force of sport and the profound impact it can have on a nation's psyche. For South Africa, this WTC triumph represented a new chapter, one where they can finally shed the weight of past failures and embrace a future filled with hope and possibility.
