The cricket world is abuzz after South Africa's historic victory over Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The Proteas chased down a target of 282, securing their first major ICC trophy since 1998 and ending a 27-year drought. Aiden Markram's magnificent century was the cornerstone of South Africa's triumph, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Among the many congratulatory messages pouring in, one stood out and quickly captured the internet's attention: a heartfelt post from Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant. Pant, who shared the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) dressing room with Markram in the 2025 IPL season, took to social media platform X to express his joy and admiration for his teammate's match-winning performance.
"Well played, Aiden brother. I am so happy for you - what a great knock under pressure. You have made us all proud and congratulations to South Africa on lifting the WTC mace," Pant wrote, accompanied by a picture of Markram.
Pant's message resonated with fans for several reasons. Firstly, it showcased the camaraderie and respect that transcends national boundaries within the cricketing fraternity. Despite representing different countries, Pant and Markram share a strong bond forged during their time together in the IPL. Secondly, Pant's acknowledgement of the pressure Markram faced during the WTC final highlighted the significance of the occasion and the magnitude of his achievement.
Markram's innings was indeed a masterclass in Test match batting. After falling for a duck in the first innings, he displayed remarkable resilience and composure to score a match-defining 136 in the second. His innings was laced with 14 fours and anchored South Africa's chase, guiding them to victory despite losing wickets at the other end.
South Africa's journey to the WTC title was a testament to their perseverance and determination. After a shaky start to the 2023-2025 WTC cycle, they bounced back strongly, winning eight consecutive Test matches to secure their place in the final. In the final itself, they overcame a first-innings deficit and a challenging target to emerge victorious, proving their mettle on the biggest stage.
Markram's performance wasn't the only notable one for South Africa. Captain Temba Bavuma played a crucial role, scoring a resilient 66 while battling a hamstring injury. Kagiso Rabada's nine wickets across the two innings also played a vital role in the victory.
The WTC win marks a significant moment for South African cricket, a moment of jubilation after years of heartbreak and near-misses in major tournaments. It's a victory that will be celebrated by fans across the country and will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of cricketers. As for Rishabh Pant's post, it serves as a reminder of the sportsmanship and camaraderie that make cricket such a special game, and the internet certainly agrees.
