Sports
Historic Victory! South Africa Ends ICC Trophy Drought with WTC Title
After a 27-year quest for an ICC title, South Africa made history at Lord’s on Saturday. Aiden Markram’s magnificent century led the team to a resounding five-wicket victory over former champions Australia, securing their first-ever ICC World Test Championship mace.
The Proteas easily chased down the remaining 69 runs on the fourth morning, with wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne hitting the winning runs, marking South Africa’s first senior men’s ICC title since 1998.
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Aiden Markram led the charge with a remarkable 136 runs off 207 balls, playing a crucial role alongside captain Temba Bavuma, who contributed a resilient 66 despite a hamstring issue. Their 144-run partnership was instrumental as South Africa resumed the fourth day at 213/2.
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Australia attempted to delay the inevitable by claiming quick wickets, dismissing Bavuma and then Tristan Stubbs (8). However, Markram and David Bedingham (21 not out) steered the team close to victory. Bavuma fell to Australian captain Pat Cummins early in the day, prompting a brief glimmer of hope for the Aussies; Mitchell Starc soon followed up by clean bowling Tristan Stubbs with 41 runs still needed.
Markram maintained his composure, focusing on punishing loose deliveries as South Africa inched closer to their goal. His calm demeanor persisted even after the departures of Bavuma and Stubbs, and when he was finally dismissed by Josh Hazlewood with the victory within reach, he took a moment to relish the scene, receiving hearty applause from the Lord’s crowd.
While Markram deservedly garnered accolades for his match-winning innings, South Africa’s victory was a collective effort, with key contributions from the entire squad. Kagiso Rabada played an essential role, securing nine wickets across both innings to stifle Australia and propel the team toward this historic win.
Markram and Rabada had previously played together when South Africa won the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2014, and this victory serves as a reward for both, especially after the team faced numerous near misses in ICC events over the years.
Just last year, South Africa fell short in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against India. There were tense moments at Lord’s as the Australians made a couple of breakthroughs on Saturday, but South Africa remained determined to achieve their target of 282.
Australia’s seasoned bowling attack performed commendably throughout the match, but it was Markram’s legendary innings that ultimately secured South Africa’s trophy drought in impressive fashion in the Ultimate Test.
Brief scores: Australia 212 and 207 in 65 overs (Mitchell Starc 58, Alex Carey 43; Kagiso Rabada 4-59, Lungi Ngidi 3-38) lost to South Africa 138 and 282/5 in 83.4 overs (Aiden Markram 136, Temba Bavuma 66, Wiaan Mulder 27, David Bedingham 21; Mitchell Starc 3/66) by five wickets.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.
This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.
Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.
During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.
With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.
In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.
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Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.
This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.
On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.
South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.
India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.
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The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.
India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.
Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.
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India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.
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