London: South Africa’s cricketing renaissance reached its pinnacle today as the Proteas dethroned Australia with a dramatic five-wicket victory in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, ending a 27-year gold drought since their lone ICC triumph in 1998.

After Australia set a target of 282, South Africa resumed Day 4 at 213 for two. Captain Temba Bavuma, undeterred by a hamstring injury, struck a vital 66, anchoring the innings alongside opener Aiden Markram, who emerged as the match’s hero. Markram’s masterful 136—a marathon innings lasting over six hours—laid the foundation for an epic chase.

Despite midnight jitters—falling to 282 for four—South Africa held firm. The defining moment came when Kyle Verreynne calmly drove through the covers to secure the winning runs 15 minutes after Markram’s departure, sending jubilant cheers through Lord’s pavilion.

Earlier, Kagiso Rabada spearheaded the bowling attack with a game-changing five-wicket haul, dismantling Australia’s first innings and setting the stage for their historic victory.

This win marks South Africa's first major ICC title in nearly three decades and their maiden WTC trophy. Riding an eight-match winning streak, the Proteas have silenced past critics who labeled them chokers, affirming their resilience and strategic prowess on cricket’s biggest stage.

South Africa finishes the chase 282/5, etching a place in Lord’s lore while Australia’s reign as champions comes to an end. For the Proteas, this historic triumph transcends sport—it’s a unifying victory for a nation longing for cricketing redemption.