With a resounding victory over Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s, South Africa has changed the course of history and finally dispelled the dreadful label of “chokers.” This victory represents the squad’s first-ever ICC title in Test cricket and may be their most pivotal moment. The team has been plagued with heartbreaks and near-misses for a long time.

Temba Bavuma’s team entered as underdogs against the tough Australians on the biggest platform in sports. However, they performed like champions in waiting once the game started; they were composed under duress, merciless in their execution, and unified in their goal.

The speed and accuracy of South Africa’s fast-bowling team, captained by Kagiso Rabada, lit up Lord’s. Due to their inability to handle the Proteas pacers’ unrelenting aggression, Australia was cheaply bowled out in both innings. Then came the decisive moment: Aiden Markram’s magnificent 136 in the second innings, which wiped Australia out of the game and placed South Africa within striking distance of victory.

After finishing their pursuit of 282 on 213/2 on the third day, South Africa was at last on the verge of winning the championship. The Proteas won the Ultimate Test in 83.4 overs as Aiden Markram, who finished day three at 102 not out, made an incredible 136. It was their eighth consecutive victory in the red-ball format.

Social media was ablaze with tributes and joy after the decisive victory. Worldwide trends included hashtags like #ProteaFire, #LordsAtLords, and #ChokersNoMore. Bavuma’s leadership was praised by both cricket luminaries and fans, who hailed the team as “true lords of Test cricket” and referred to him as “The Don of Lord’s.”

Beyond the memes, though, there was emotion—the type that only results from decades of anguish and near-misses culminating in victory. This was more than just a trophy win for South Africa. It was about changing a story, eradicating a stigma, and embracing a heritage that had been earned over a long time.

“The past several days have been very memorable. The 35-year-old Temba Bavuma stated during the post-match presentation, “There were moments when it seemed like we were playing in South Africa.” “Despite the skeptics, we came in with faith and prepared well. I’m happy with our performance. For us and everyone back home, this is a unique occasion. There was energy. We have persevered, reaching the doorstep and experiencing heartbreaks. However, the sun has been with us lately.

When South Africa won the 2025 ICC World Test Championship, Dale Steyn was ecstatic, saying he was happy that the team had finally taken home a trophy they had been chasing for a long time. “I thought that South Africa also benefited from the support at Lord’s, particularly from the English supporters.” The Ashes rivalry may have played a role, but that support was helpful. The team performed exceptionally well in this huge game. The best players stepped up when it counted in this flawlessly organized Test match.

“I believe that if I had gone to bat, the feelings would have motivated me in the appropriate way. We are grateful to everyone who has helped us; we have persevered in the face of hardship. At the end of the championship match, Keshav Maharaj said, “We honor those who have come before us, may this be a stepping stone for greater things to come.”

“We may have benefited a bit more from the circumstances if we batted another session. In the fourth inning, they were outstanding. They didn’t give us an opportunity, even if the wicket didn’t have much. At the post-match presentation ceremony, Cummins expressed his disappointment, saying, “SA showed why they’re here and are deserved winners, they kept themselves in the game throughout.”

Taking to X, Sachin Tendulkar wrote, “Test cricket continues to weave its magic. In a final where every session had its own story, @ProteasMenCSA found calm in the storm. Markram’s composure and Bavuma’s grit under pressure stood tall in the fourth innings. A century that will be remembered, a partnership that turned hope into history. Congratulations to South Africa on becoming World Test Champions!”

“Congratulations @ProteasMenCSA. Fantastic win and so well played! Hats off to Markram for that match-winning century, and Temba for leading with such ice and fire all through,” AB de Villiers wrote on X.

“The @HomeOfCricket Lord’s was a fantastic venue, and the huge crowds every day once again showed interest in Test cricket!” wrote Jay Shah on X.

“If he is quiet for too long, you know he is up to no good. And some of the music they play…my goodness! But they are the reason we do this and keep coaching. Cricket means so much to all of us, and to the people of this country,” said Head Coach Shukri Conrad in a Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement on Sunday.