South Africa was criticized by some before the final for its supposedly easier road in the 2023-25 WTC cycle — it didn’t face Australia or England in a series — but it has won eight straight ...

South Africa's path to the final was criticised, with the Proteas playing just 12 Tests in the WTC cycle and none against England or Australia. advertisement. AFP.

On Friday, South Africa needed someone to hang tough and score big when it started a daunting chase of 282 to win the final, and Markram responded on a flat, slow pitch with an unbeaten 102.

Starting the day at 8-144, South Africa’s bowlers took nearly two hours to claim the final two wickets. Kagiso Rabada, who was the best of the bowlers with 4-59, got Nathan Lyon LBW early.

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with teammates on the podium after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ...