Aiden Markram — remember the name! He has cemented his place as a legend and hero for Proteas cricket fans, ensuring the game didn't even reach the lunch break on Day 4. He led his team to 5-wicket victory in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia.
This win over defending champions marked South Africa's first ICC title in 27 years — their first since the 1998 Champions Trophy — and what a sweet victory it was, with Markram scoring a brilliant 136 off 207 balls, including 14 fours.
For nearly 27 years, South Africa chased an elusive ICC trophy, falling heartbreakingly short time and again despite boasting world-class teams. The repeated stumbles on the biggest stages earned them the painful label of "chokers." But not anymore — the class of 2025 has finally broken the curse and delivered glory!??
While Josh Hazel did take his wicket, he along with skipper Temba Bavuma had already inflicted the damage on the Aussies. Soon enough, fans took on X (formerly known as Twitter) to heap praises for the batter's dedication.
One said, "Aiden Markram, you will forever be a Proteas Hero."
Another said, "The folk-lore of South African ICC cricket history finally has it's first legend- Aiden Markram of WTC2025."
One wrote, "One of the iconic Test knocks from Aiden Markram. Ensured that there was no choke/collapse. Tentative and strange batting from both Temba and Stubbs. Exactly what causes doubts in the dressing room. Bedingham with a great support act. Markram rewards years of patience."
Another added, "136 in ICC final against Australia in 4th innings at Lord's...History will never forget Aiden Markram."
South Africa?(Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma(c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Australia?(Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood