South Africa managed to pull off a famous victory by winning the World Test Championship title at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground on Saturday. Temba Bavuma’s men crossed the line with five wickets to spare against Australia. Aiden Markram almost saw South Africa’s chase home with a calm and reassuring 136 before departing with South Africa needing just six runs to win.
Both teams had gone to bed on Friday with South Africa on 213/2 in the 2nd innings, the target of 282 very much in reach. But they lost talismanic captain Temba Bavuma’s wicket early on for 66 runs. South Africa had opted against retiring him hurt on Day 3 of the Test after he was struck by a hamstring injury. Bavuma was on six runs when the injury occurred, but added 60 runs to that before walking off after being dismissed.
As It Happened:
South Africa were handed another scare when Tristan Stubbs was dismissed by Mitchell Starc for 8 runs with the Proteas at 241/4.
South Africa were cautious in their chase on Saturday, but ensured that there was no finish line blues.
Talking after the game, said: “Can’t describe what this means in words. I’m extrememly happy. Throughout the season we planned really well. People said we were not playing good opposition. That’s rubbish. In the final we had to be on A game to beat Australia. Last four days felt like a home game.”
Batting first, Australia managed to post 212 runs on the board in the first innings, with Beau Webster top-scoring with 72 and adding another 66. Kagiso Rabada had claimed five wickets in the first innings, with Marco Jansen adding three more.
South Africa mustered the worst reply it could, folding up for a paltry total of 138 with David Bedingham top-scoring with 45 while skipper Temba Bavuma managed 36.
In their second innings, Australia encountered their own slump which saw them touching 73 runs for the loss of seven wickets. That’s when (43) and Mitchell Starc (58) added some runs for their bowling to defend in the final innings. Eventually, though, it proved to be too little.
