The monkey is finally off their backs as South Africa won the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 defeating Australia by five wickets in a historic gripping at Lord's.
After nearly three decades the Proteas finally cast aside its unenviable tag of "chokers", winning this historic triumph.
They mark their first senior men's ICC crown since the 1998 Champions Trophy, ending a 27-year drought that has haunted generations of Proteas cricketers and their loyal fan base.
The victory sealed on the fourth day of the Test, was a testament to grit, resilience, and a collective belief that finally culminated in glory.
While Australia, the defending champions, fought tooth and nail, South Africa's steady resolve, especially when chasing the target, ultimately decided the match.
Historic chase and heroic performances Chasing a challenging target of 282, South Africa showcased a composure rarely seen from them in high-stakes ICC encounters.
Under a hostile batting condition at Lord's, this target is the joint second highest chase for any team in the fourth innings.
Before that, West Indies made 344-1 against England in 1984 and the English, in 2004, scored 282-3 against New Zealand.
Nobody had thought that South Africa would pass the test as they were all out for just 138 in the first innings.
But opener Aiden Markram had a different plan. He played an innings of a lifetime, scoring a magnificent 136 that anchored the chase and broke the back of the Australian bowling attack.
His century under immense pressure will undoubtedly mark as one of the most significant in the Proteas' cricket history.
Captain Temba Bavuma, despite a hamstring strain, contributed a resilient 66, forging a crucial 147-run partnership with Markram that steered them towards their target.
Even when Markram fell with just six runs required, the calm demeanour of David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne, who hit the winning runs, ensured there were no further jitters.
Earlier in the match, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada's nine-wicket haul across both innings showcased the potency of South Africa's bowling attack, consistently putting Australia under pressure.
The collective effort from the entire XI was evident, demonstrating a depth and unity that had perhaps been missing in past tournaments.
Slaying 'Chokers' demon
The "chokers" tag has been an albatross around South Africa's neck since their readmission to international cricket in 1992.
It stemmed from a series of agonising exits in knockout stages of major ICC events, often from winning positions.
From the bizarre rain rule incident in the 1992 World Cup semi-final to the infamous run chase in 2024 T20 World Cup final and numerous other collapses, the narrative of South Africa faltering under pressure became deeply ingrained.
However, this WTC triumph represents a profound shift. It's not just about winning a trophy; it's about rewriting their own narrative.
This victory against the Australians at the iconic Lord's signifies a mental fortitude that has historically eluded them. The team, under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, has shown that they can perform under the most intense pressure and deliver when it truly matters.
What it mean for Proteas cricket? This WTC title is more than just silverware and also a monumental psychological boost for South Africa.
It validates years of hard work, dedication, and the immense talent within SA cricket. For a nation that has consistently produced world-class cricketers like AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn.
The trophy finally provides the tangible success that has been missing from the Proteas' cricket. It offers a blueprint for future generations of South African cricketers, proving that the elusive ICC title is indeed attainable.
This victory could ignite a new era of confidence and consistency, potentially setting the stage for further successes in white-ball cricket as well.
The celebrations at Lord's were not just for a Test Championship; they were for the liberation from a long-held stigma. The emotional face of Keshav Maharaj after the match says it all.
The Proteas finally broke the shackles, and in doing so, have written a glorious new chapter in their cricketing history. The "chokers" are no more; long live the champions!
