Aiden Markram's masterful century in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia has been lauded as a defining moment, not just for the player himself, but for South African cricket as a whole. The right-hander's innings of 136 at Lord's, in a match where batting was challenging, was instrumental in guiding South Africa to a historic five-wicket victory, ending a 27-year drought of ICC titles. It was a moment where the Proteas overcame their reputation of choking in big games, finally securing their first men's senior ICC trophy since 1998.
Markram's performance was particularly significant given the context of the match. After bagging a duck in the first innings, he demonstrated remarkable resilience to score a century in the second innings, a feat that saw him named Player of the Match. His innings wasn't just about the runs; it was about the composure and control he exhibited under immense pressure. He took on the Australian attack, waiting for the bad balls and dispatching them with authority. Markram's concentration and application frustrated the Australians, who struggled to find a way to dislodge him.
Captain Temba Bavuma's contribution should not be overlooked. He fought through injury to score valuable runs in both innings, including a crucial half-century in the second innings. His partnership with Markram was the backbone of South Africa's chase, and his leadership was evident in the team's calm approach to the task at hand. Bavuma's resilience and determination were an inspiration to his teammates, and his celebration on the Lord's balcony with the trophy will be an enduring image.
The significance of this win extends beyond just a trophy. South Africa has often been labelled as underachievers in major tournaments, but this victory proves that they have the talent and mental fortitude to compete with the best. The WTC final win could mark a turning point for South African cricket, instilling a new belief and confidence in the team. Maharaj described Markram as a "big-match player" who rose to the occasion when it mattered most. He noted Markram's determination to make amends for his first-innings dismissal and praised his application under pressure.
Fans and former players have also celebrated Markram's innings. Virat Kohli's old tweet praising Markram resurfaced, highlighting the batter's potential had been recognized for a long time. Markram has joined an elite group of South African players to score centuries in ICC knockout matches, further solidifying his place in the nation's cricketing history.
Looking ahead, the South African team has a busy schedule. They are set to tour England in September 2025 for a series of ODIs and T20Is, and will then travel to India in November and December for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. The WTC victory will give them a huge boost of confidence going into these tours. Markram will be key to their success in these series. His form in the SA20 league has been impressive, and he will be looking to carry that momentum into the international arena.
