Aiden Markram’s brilliant century played a key role in South Africa’s five-wicket win over Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Saturday.
Chasing 282 to win, South Africa reached the target at 282-5 just before lunch on Day 4. Markram scored a superb 136, falling just six runs short of the finish line, but his efforts helped end South Africa’s long wait for a major ICC trophy. After the historic win, Markram’s IPL captain, Rishabh Pant, posted a heartfelt message on social media to celebrate the moment.
Rishabh Pant’s Heartfelt Tribute to Aiden Markram
Pant, who was Markram’s teammate during the IPL 2025 season, praised the South African batter for his composed and match-winning innings. He applauded Markram’s ability to perform under pressure, calling it a crucial part of South Africa’s historic victory.
“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,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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
South Africa began Day 4 at 213-2, needing just 69 more runs to win. Aiden Markram, who had been out for zero in the first innings, was unbeaten on 102, while captain Temba Bavuma stood firm on 65 despite struggling with a hamstring injury.
Given South Africa’s long history of crumbling under pressure, nothing was guaranteed, especially against a strong Australian side who were defending their WTC title and known for thriving in big matches.
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Before this, South Africa had only made it to one final in 18 previous ICC one-day and T20 World Cup tournaments. That was in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they lost to India despite being in a strong position, needing just 30 runs from 30 balls with six wickets in hand.
Often labelled “chokers” for their struggles in crucial games, South Africa finally broke the pattern. On Saturday, a team without many big names did what some of their legends like Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, AB de Villiers, and Jacques Kallis couldn’t: win a major ICC title.
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