Aiden Markram played a match-winning knock that etched his name into South African cricket history, as the Proteas clinched their maiden ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title with a commanding 5-wicket victory over Australia at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Chasing a target of 282, South Africa resumed the fourth day on 213/2, needing just 69 runs to win.

Markram, already unbeaten on 102, continued his fine form and ended with a brilliant 136, setting up a comfortable finish before lunch. Captain Temba Bavuma, who battled through a hamstring strain, supported him with a gritty 65 as South Africa crossed the line with ease.

Rishabh Pant’s Message for Markram

Following the win, Rishabh Pant, Markram’s captain at Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, took to social media to congratulate his teammate and the South African squad. In a heartwarming message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Pant wrote:

“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.”

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.👏🏆 pic.twitter.com/YNqaj4gFis

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) June 14, 2025

Pant lauded Markram’s composure under pressure and recognized his pivotal contribution in what was a high-stakes final.

This victory is particularly special for South Africa, a team long haunted by the "chokers" label due to repeated failures in ICC knockout matches.

However, this time, the Proteas defied expectations and outclassed defending champions Australia without big names like Shaun Pollock or AB de Villiers in their lineup. Under Bavuma’s leadership and with Markram's heroics, they ended a 27-year ICC title drought, lifting a major global trophy for the first time since 1998.