The scenes at Lord's Cricket Ground were overwhelming as South Africa defeated Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final on Saturday, June 14, 2025, securing their first ICC trophy in 27 years. Among the many emotional reactions, none were more poignant than that of Keshav Maharaj, who was seen struggling to hold back tears of joy. The victory not only marked a historic moment for South African cricket but also represented the culmination of years of perseverance, unity, and overcoming adversity.
Maharaj's emotional outburst resonated deeply with fans worldwide. Despite his modest personal contribution in the final – a single wicket and seven runs in the first innings – the significance of the win clearly overwhelmed him. He was seen sobbing uncontrollably on the Lord's balcony, aptly capturing the magnitude of the victory. In a post-match interview with former captain Graeme Smith, Maharaj struggled to articulate his feelings, expressing immense happiness for everyone back home and gratitude for the unwavering support from fans both in the stadium and abroad.
"Can't express what it means," Maharaj said, his voice thick with emotion. "So happy for everyone back home. Very, very grateful as a team, as a nation, and as a country. We're very grateful and thankful to everyone that's here and from abroad for supporting us. The emotions will go into the night." He further added, "Thanks to everyone that's here, back home, for supporting us. We stood through adversity. We honor it to those who are here and those who have come. We love you. We're doing great things as a country. May this just be the stepping stone of what is to come."
The victory was especially sweet for veteran players like Maharaj, who had experienced numerous heartbreaks in past ICC tournaments. South Africa's history on the biggest stages has been cruelly marked by near misses, making this win all the more cathartic. For Maharaj, who had previously expressed disappointment after failing to prevent a defeat to the Netherlands in the 2022 T20 World Cup, the WTC triumph was a moment of redemption and immense pride.
Captain Temba Bavuma was also visibly moved by the victory, with footage showing him in tears as Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs. Bavuma, who battled through injury to contribute a crucial 66 runs in the run chase, described the win as super emotional. He emphasized the unity and diversity within the team, stating that lifting the trophy would further unite the nation.
Aiden Markram was the hero of the hour, anchoring the chase with a composed century. His performance, which spanned over six hours, earned him the Player of the Match award. Markram's contribution was all the more remarkable considering his duck in the first innings, demonstrating his resilience and determination to lead his team to victory. Kagiso Rabada also played a crucial role, taking nine wickets in the match and spearheading South Africa's bowling attack.
South Africa's journey to the WTC title was not without its challenges. They faced criticism for having a relatively easier path, not having played against Australia or England in the 2023-2025 cycle. However, the Proteas silenced their critics by winning eight consecutive Test matches, proving their mettle and determination.
The WTC final victory marks a new chapter in South African cricket history. It is a testament to the team's talent, hard work, and unwavering spirit. As Keshav Maharaj aptly put it, this win is a stepping stone for greater things to come, inspiring a new generation of cricketers and uniting the nation in celebration.
