South Africa are the new World Test Champions. They defeated Australia by 5 wickets in the final at Lord’s, clinching their first ICC trophy in 27 years. Chasing 282 runs to win against the best bowling attack in the world, Aiden Markram (136) and Temba Bavuma (65) made their performance count. The task was completed in the first session of Day 4, with Markram winning the Player of the Match award. Former India player Aakash Chopra hailed the new title holder for their performance throughout the contest.
Former South Africa players AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith were present when their country lifted the Test Mace. Another legendary Proteas player, Dale Steyn, lauded skipper Bavuma for ending South Africa’s title drought.
“Big moment for cricket. It’s a big moment for South Africa as a nation. Rainbow Nation is a sports-loving country, but they failed to win anything in cricket before this success,” he said.
Aakash reserved special praise for Markram. “What a player. Markram played a magnificent innings. A knock for ages. He would have liked to finish the game. So near yet so far,” he added.
Australia scored 212 and 207 across two innings. On the other hand, South posted 138 and 282/5.
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