South Africa crowned World Test Champions title by winning against Australia

After decades of heartbreak in global tournaments, South Africa finally claimed their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) title, dethroning defending champions Australia by five wickets in a gripping final at Lord’s on Saturday.

A Victory Decades in the Making

Chasing a challenging 282-run target, the Proteas sealed the win behind Aiden Markram’s magnificent century and an unbroken 143-run partnership with captain Temba Bavuma. The triumph marked South Africa’s first major ICC trophy, burying their long-standing reputation as ‘chokers’ for faltering in crunch moments.

Coach Shukri Conrad had one clear message after Friday’s play:
“Don’t change a thing. Tomorrow morning, come and do the same warm-up that you do every day. Just the same processes.”

Breaking the Curse

South Africa’s cricket history is littered with painful near-misses, including:

• World Cup semi-final exits (notably the 1992 rain-rule debacle and 1999 tied-game elimination)
• Last year’s T20 World Cup final collapse (falling 7 runs short against India after needing 26 off 24 balls)

Assistant coach Ashwell Prince emphasized the team’s mindset:
“Make them believe that they can do it, and then just sort of step out of the way and allow them to go and do it.”
“There is a very tight bond in that change room. They are willing each other over the line.”

Australia Dethroned

The Aussies, who set the target after a stern fightback, were outplayed on the final day as South Africa’s batters held their nerve. Markram’s patient yet aggressive 112 (186 balls)* anchored the chase, silencing critics who doubted the Proteas’ big-match temperament.

A New Era for Proteas Cricket

This victory not only erases past scars but also signals a mental shift for South African cricket. As Prince noted:
“We obviously understand the magnitude of the situation and what’s at stake. But they’ve just got to stay calm and take it in their stride.”