South Africa Celebrates WTC Victory at Lord’s

LONDON: The South African ICC World Test Championship (WTC) team returned to Lord’s on Monday to revel in their momentous victory over Australia in the Ultimate Test.

Following their impressive five-wicket triumph to claim the WTC title, the entire 15-member squad, accompanied by their support staff, revisited the iconic cricket ground for a concluding celebration prior to their departure home.

The players posed with the prestigious Test mace, reminisced about their victory, and enjoyed the atmosphere at the historic venue where they achieved their success over the weekend.

Speaking to ICC digital at Lord’s, South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder described the celebrations as among the most unforgettable moments of his career.

“It’s been a remarkable few days, filled with celebrations unlike any I’ve experienced before. Our team is extremely delighted, and there’s no better place to celebrate than at the Home of Cricket,” Mulder stated.

Mulder mentioned that the anticipation and anxiety leading up to the final, combined with the continuous celebrations afterward, resulted in very little sleep.

“I think it’s the Western Province contingent, to be honest. Kyle Verreynne, Dane Paterson, David Bedingham, and (batting coach) Ashwell Prince — they are the leaders of our team spirit and have gone above and beyond,” he added.

He commended Australian players Pat Cummins and Travis Head for their sportsmanship, noting that Head congratulated him after the final.

“Travis Head is a top bloke, and Pat Cummins is a great guy as well. I actually spoke to Head on the phone last night. Despite his disappointment, he was happy for us. It demonstrates the excellent spirit in which the game was played,” Mulder concluded.

South Africa made history by winning the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, defeating defending champions Australia by five wickets at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Saturday.

This title marks their first major victory since 1998, when they won the inaugural edition of the men’s Champions Trophy, then known as the Knockout Trophy.

The defending champions had the upper hand halfway through the final Test, securing a 74-run lead in the first innings by dismissing South Africa for just 138 runs.

However, Australia failed to capitalize, managing only 207 runs in their second innings, setting a target of 282 runs.

South Africa’s batting lineup surpassed Australia’s formidable bowling attack in the final innings, successfully chasing down the target with five wickets remaining.

Aiden Markram, the experienced opener, led the charge with a top score of 136, while captain Temba Bavuma provided crucial support with a half-century.