In a moment of immense pride for South African cricket, Aiden Markram delivered a match-winning performance that earned him the Player of the Match award in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. On the grandest stage of Test cricket at Lord’s, Markram stood tall with composure, class, and incredible grit, guiding his team to their first-ever WTC title and scripting one of the most memorable knocks in South Africa’s cricket history.
Coming into the final, there were several stars expected to take centre stage, but it was Markram who rose to the occasion when it mattered most. In a pressure-packed contest against a formidable Australian bowling attack, he produced a knock that not only showcased his technique and temperament but also highlighted his growth as one of South Africa’s most dependable top-order batters.
In the first innings, with South Africa under pressure after early wickets, Markram walked in and immediately looked assured at the crease. He absorbed the initial burst from Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins with remarkable ease, leaving deliveries with discipline and pouncing on anything loose. His shot selection was precise, his footwork decisive, and his intent clear. Over the course of a gritty innings, Markram scored a sublime 138, an innings laced with 18 boundaries and one six, spread over nearly five hours of batting.
What made Markram’s innings special wasn’t just the runs but the context in which they came. With South Africa at 37 for 3, Australia were dominating the opening day. Markram’s composure steadied the innings, and his partnerships with Dean Elgar and later Kyle Verreynne shifted momentum firmly in South Africa’s favour. His ability to rotate the strike, tire the bowlers out, and accelerate when needed was a masterclass in situational batting. He played Nathan Lyon with soft hands and attacked anything short or overpitched, completely disrupting the off-spinner’s rhythm.
Even in the field, Markram was sharp and alert. He took two vital catches in the slips, including the big wicket of Steve Smith in the second innings. His energy and leadership on the field, though not captain in this format, were evident throughout the match.
The second innings didn’t require much from him with the bat, but his role as a senior player in the dressing room remained vital. As South Africa inched closer to victory on the final day, Markram could be seen rallying his teammates, keeping the group focused and calm amid rising tension.
When the final wicket fell and celebrations erupted at Lord’s, it was no surprise when Aiden Markram was named Player of the Match. His knock was the cornerstone of South Africa’s first-innings dominance, which ultimately created the cushion needed to push Australia out of the contest. His poise under pressure, his hunger for big runs in a final, and his unwavering focus made this performance truly elite.
For South Africa, the WTC title marks a new era of belief, and at the heart of this historic victory stands Aiden Markram — a man who embraced the moment and delivered when it mattered most.