South Africa vs Australia WTC 2025

WTC Final|Video: Teary Keshav Maharaj heartfelt chat with Graeme Smith after South Africa historic title win

Danijones15 hours ago05 mins

South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj couldn’t hold back tears after his team ended a 27-year wait for an ICC trophy, clinching the World Test Championship title with a stunning 5-wicket win over Australia at Lord’s on June 14. As Kyle Verreynne struck the winning runs, sealing one of South Africa’s most historic cricketing moments, the dressing room erupted in joy — but for Maharaj, the emotions were overwhelming. In a heartfelt post-match interview with former Proteas captain Graeme Smith — a legend in his own right who, despite years of service, never lifted an ICC title — Maharaj struggled to contain his emotions. He reflected on what the victory meant for the nation and paid tribute to the unwavering support of South African fans, calling their presence and belief “crucial” in driving the team to glory. SA vs AUS, WTC Final: Highlights “It’s special, it’s an honour to lift the cup for everyone out here and back home. Tears won’t even describe what we feel right now. It’s what the country’s about, the unity among everyone in the last five days. We’re very grateful for everyone here,” Maharaj told Star Sports. “For everyone here and back home, this is super special for us. We are very grateful as a team, as a nation,” he added. Maharaj also spoke of the pride he would’ve carried had he needed to walk out to bat, explaining that his emotions would have fuelled him rather than held him back. But thanks to a composed chase led by two of South Africa’s modern-day greats, that moment never came. “I think the emotions would’ve spurred me into the right direction had I got into bat. Thanks to everyone who’s been supporting us, through adversity we’ve stood strong. We honour those who’ve come before us, may this be a stepping stone for greater things to come,” he added. Set a daunting target of 282 — which would go on to become the joint second-highest successful fourth-innings chase at Lord’s — South Africa’s path to victory was carved by a sensational 147-run stand between centurion Aiden Markram and a courageous Temba Bavuma. The South African skipper battled through pain to blunt the threat of a world-class Australian bowling attack across Day 3 and Day 4. Needing 69 runs on the final day, the Proteas started steadily before Pat Cummins struck early, dismissing Bavuma with a sharp delivery that took the edge through to the keeper. Tristan Stubbs added some resistance with a gritty 43-ball stay, but it was Markram — unbeaten on 102 overnight — who anchored the chase with poise and purpose. His calm presence saw South Africa home, delivering the nation its first global cricket title since 1998, when they last tasted glory in the ICC KnockOut Trophy. Published By: Debodinna Chakraborty Published On: Jun 14, 2025

Temba Bavuma’s heroic innings earns respect of fans in WTC Final: Standing like a lion

Danijones1 day ago04 mins

South Africa’s red-ball captain Temba Bavuma earned widespread admiration on Day 3 of the World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s, displaying tremendous grit and resilience in the face of both scoreboard pressure and physical pain. Battling what appeared to be a hamstring injury, Bavuma defied the odds to keep South Africa’s record-equalling 282-run chase alive in dramatic fashion. Earlier in the day, it was Australia’s tail that turned the tide with a record 10th wicket stand. Half-century hero Mitchell Starc, alongside Josh Hazlewood, added crucial runs to push South Africa’s target to a daunting 282—the joint-highest run chase ever in a WTC Final. The Proteas got off to a shaky start, losing opener Ryan Rickelton early in the innings. However, a promising 59-run stand between Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder steadied the nerves in the South African dressing room. But just as things seemed to be settling, Starc returned to dismiss Mulder, piling the pressure back on the chasing side. SA vs AUS, WTC Final Day 3: Highlights In walked Bavuma at No. 4, but his arrival didn’t bring instant calm. On just 2 runs, the skipper was dropped by Steve Smith at slip—a costly moment that also resulted in a compounded dislocation to Smith’s finger, potentially ruling him out for the rest of the Test. Things only got worse for Bavuma a few overs later, when he appeared to pull his hamstring while running between the wickets in the 24th over, visibly wincing and limping in the follow up. Despite the physical strain, Bavuma dug deep. He reached his half-century in 82 deliveries—but chose not to celebrate. No raised bat, no fist pump—just focus. The Lord’s crowd serenaded him with applause and chants, but the South African skipper had his eyes set firmly on the ultimate prize. Apart from the Lord’s crowd singing his name, fans online compared his spirit to that of a lion. His fighting knock quickly became a trending topic online, with fans comparing his resilience and willpower to that of a lion. For a nation yearning for its first ICC trophy in men’s cricket, Bavuma’s determination struck a powerful chord. With Aiden Markram looking equally composed after hitting a brilliant 100, silencing his critics at the other end, and Bavuma stadning on 65 – the duo now carries the hopes of an entire country. With 69 runs left to chase for the Proteas, the side may finally be witnessing the dawn of a new chapter—led by the unflinching courage of Temba Bavuma. Published By: Debodinna Chakraborty Published On: Jun 13, 2025