WTC Final: Aiden Markram’s Lord’s epic ends South Africa’s ICC title drought – Who said what after the win | Cricket News

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram (Pic courtesy – CSA)

South Africa lastly laid their ICC ghosts to relaxation as Aiden Markram produced an imposing 136 to script a five-wicket win over Australia in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s on Saturday, sealing the Proteas’ first main international title in 27 years.Set 282 for victory, South Africa resumed Day 4 on 213/2 and calmly accomplished the chase at 282/5, with Markram falling simply six runs wanting hitting the profitable runs. His knock, resilient and trendy, anchored the innings and symbolised South Africa’s long-awaited second of redemption.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Markram displays on poetic redemption after the earlier duck: “Weird how things work out… you get a duck and then this. Lord’s is where every Test cricketer wants to play. It was about absorbing pressure and maximising scoring options. It’s one of those special days. Temba’s knock was phenomenal — he’s one of the best, always leads from the front. These are the kind of knocks people remember you for.”

Kagiso Rabada fires again at critics, praises fan assist: “Some people said we didn’t play tough teams — that’s rubbish. Australia are one of the best. We had to be at our best to beat them. The last four days felt like a home game — thank you for turning up and keep turning up.”Coach Shukri Conrad praises senior professionals and places South Africa first: “This one is for South Africa. That partnership between our senior pros — that’s where the game was won. Coaches sometimes need to trust players; they knew better today.”Lungi Ngidi celebrates a game-changing spell, calls win emotional: “I’m speechless. That spell broke the game open. My blood pressure is high, but I’m proud of the boys — a lot of hard work went into this.”

Marco Jansen calls the win a dream come true: “I used to be simply sitting and praying. Numerous nerves in the change room. To see the crowd, the assist — it was unbelievable. Markram and Temba had been sensible. Dreams are supposed to be achieved, and we will have fun.”From the scars of Barbados to the glory of Lord’s, South Africa have finally arrived on the biggest stage.