Picture : ICC/ X
For the team over the years carrying the dreaded word CHOKERS was a nightmare. And after long 27 years South Africa finally laid thaier hands on a ICC Trophy – WTC 2025 Champions. In a riveting contest they upset the fancied Australian team led by Pat Cummins to record a historic five- wicket win. A win that etches their name in history that too at the most hallowed ground of cricket – Lord’s , London.
The Proteas were dtermined to do something special in the final. Led admirably by the astute Temba Bavuma they rattled Australia with their grit. Having bowling out Australia for 212 with Kagiso Rabada bagging an impressive 5/51 . The Proteas were in the hunt . But a poor batting first innings effort 138 thanks to Aussie Skipper Pat Cummins who delivered a master class spell 6/28 meant the Proteas were again on the back- foot and ghost of choking seemed to come back to huant them.
But the Proteas hung and bolwed out Australia for 207. In both the innings the Aussie top order batting line – up collapsed something one has not seen in recent times. Usman Khwaja was all at sea. Marnus Labuschagne promoted to open did not work out as he consumed too many balls. Aussies needed a flier to get started that did not happen. David Warner’s aggression at the top was missed. Camewron Green return after injury was rusty, Travis Head , sticks to his attacking game with out looking at the match situation added to the woes. It was left to experianced Steve Smith to battle it out. That MItchell Starc remained unbeten on 54 in the second innings told the sorry state of affairs of the Aussie batting line- up.
Aussie Skipper Pat Cummins was blunt and brave to admit that before the next Tests series against the West Indies the Aussie batting the top three needs a reset . That however does not take away the credit to the Proteas trio of Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen bolwed with intent to bundle out the Aussies.
And chasing 282 , the Proteas neeeded guys to stand-up and deliver and skipper Temba Bavuma batting with injury and a classy hunded by Aiden Markram ensured that they would not suffer anymore heartbreaks. The chokers tag was finally done and dusted. South Afrrica had finally broken the jinx. A win that brings a breath of fresh air in world cricket.
Especially when the team’s like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies are no longer what they were. World cricket needs competition and South Africa’s win is important from that point of view. So three cheers to Bavuma and his men. A win that was well deserved and earned.
