The Proteas beat Australia by five wickets in the extended first session of day four of what was a gripping and historic Test match.

Needing just 69 more runs with two days to spare, the platform had already been laid on day three by a gutsy 143-run partnership between Aiden Markram and the injured captain, Temba Bavuma.

The 2025 Test World Champions  - Cricinfo

South Africa resumed their second innings on 212/2, with Markram unbeaten on 102* and Bavuma on 66*, battling a left hamstring injury. The Aussies struck early, however, as Bavuma was caught behind by Alex Carey off the bowling of Pat Cummins without adding to his overnight score.

Tristan Stubbs managed only 8 runs before being bowled by Mitchell Starc. Markram and David Bedingham then took South Africa to the brink, before the opener was dismissed for a magnificent 135 — caught square of the wicket by Travis Head off Josh Hazlewood.

Aiden Markram - Cricinfo 

Despite the low-key celebration from the Australians, every player on the field walked over to shake Markram’s hand — a gesture of respect for one of the great innings in Test cricket history.

Kyle Verreynne, who like Bedingham attended Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town, hit the winning runs after surviving a few nervy deliveries at the crease. Bedingham finished unbeaten on 21, and Verreynne on 4*, as South Africa clinched their eighth consecutive Test win — and, with it, the world title.

Reflecting on the monumental win at St John’s Wood, Markram — who has now scored three centuries against Australia — described it as the greatest knock of his career.

Kyle Verreynne and David Beddingham - Cricinfo

“I don’t think I’ve ever scored more important runs in my career,” said Markram.
 “Funny how things work out after a duck in the first innings — you just need a bit of luck, spend some time out there, and hope the runs start coming. I’m really glad it came together today.

“The reception we got will stay with me forever. Lord’s is the place every Test cricketer dreams of playing, and to play a final here... it’s incredibly special. There were plenty of South African fans in the stands and many more back home — it’s one of the most memorable days of my life.

David Bedingham and Aiden Markram - Cricinfo

“We spoke about maintaining our tempo in the second innings after going into our shell a bit in the first. It’s always a balancing act — absorbing pressure versus cashing in. When the wicket’s tricky and the bowling’s top-class, you only get so many balls to score from, and you’ve got to make them count.

“Lyon’s world-class — we’ve had plenty of good banter. Honestly, if this had gone to day five and started turning more, he would've been a real handful.

Shukri Conrad and Kagiso Rabada - Cricinfo

“As for Temba, asking him to stay out there wasn’t even necessary. That came from him. He’s led us brilliantly over the years and didn’t want to walk off yesterday. He found a way to score crucial runs under tough conditions. That innings will be remembered for a long time.”

Back in 2014, Markram, Kagiso Rabada, and Corbin Bosch (who was in the squad but didn’t play) lifted the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup trophy with South Africa in Dubai.

Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi - Cricinfo

Since readmission to international cricket in 1991, South Africa have suffered numerous heartbreaks in ICC tournaments. In the 50-over World Cup, they reached the semi-finals in 1992, 1999, 2007, 2015, and 2023, and the quarter-finals in 1996 and 2011.

In the T20 World Cup, they finished runners-up in 2024, and reached the semi-finals in 2009 and 2014. At the ICC Champions Trophy, they made the semi-finals in 2000, 2002, 2006, 2013, and again in 2025 — although they did win the inaugural tournament back in 1998.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport