Follow UsThanks to Aiden Markram’s astonishing century, South Africa chased down a target of 282 and defeated Australia by five wickets in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final, winning their first ICC title after 27 years.
Here’s what South African players and the head coach had to say after the memorable victory.
Kagiso Rabada: Can't describe in words how I feel. Extremely happy, we've planned well and worked hard. We deserve to be here. People said we haven't faced strong oppositions, which is rubbish. We beat Australia this time, had to be on our A game. Thanks to everyone for the support, last four days felt like a home game.
Ryan Rickelton: Walking out in the fourth innings was always going to be tricky. The wicket trying to look a little better. The guys batted brilliantly. Aiden's was one of the best innings I have ever seen. The magnitude of the occasion against such an experienced attack was special.
Shukri Conrad: Emotions, mine are worse than Kesh. I am ecstatic for the guys. This is for SA. To be able to deliver this is truly special. We got the best of the batting conditions. 280 was always going to be a stiff task. But the two pros Aiden and Temba stood tall and took us through. I was the one who said Temba shouldn't bat (after the injury) but the partnership was critical, and they know better than the coaches.
A teary Keshav Maharaj: It's special, it's an honour to lift the cup for everyone out here and back home. It's what the country's about, the unity among everyone in the last five days. We're very grateful, as a team as a nation, as a proud country. I think the emotions would've spurred me into the right direction had I got into bat. Thanks to everyone who's been supporting us, through adversity we've stood strong. We honour those who've come before us, may this be a stepping stone for greater things to come.
Lungi Ngidi: I am speechless right now. The other evening with that spell was about to break the game opening. The excitement kept me going. I can't say much now. I am very proud of what the boys have achieved. It's been a lot of emotions and the blood pressure is quite high.
Marco Jansen: Don't know what to say, was sitting there praying, luckily we got the job done. Lot of nerves in the changeroom, lot of guys quiet, but to have the crowd cheering every single run, can't ask for more. Can’t say it, Markram un-frickin-believable, him and Temba took us home. Stuff dreams are made of.
David Bedingham: Amazing. Very nervous, but the way Aiden and Temba went about made us calm. Thank goodness we got over the line. The sun plays a massive factor, we got luckier with the conditions. It's been 27 years and I am so thankful we got over the line.
Kyle Verreynne: I am just relieved. I was watching in the morning and kept thinking I don't want to bat, I don't want to bat. When I walked in the middle, I was the most nervous I have ever been. (Win) Means a lot. You can listen to the whole ground singing. Probably getting a little emotional now. It's incredible.
(Quotes taken from ESPNcricinfo commentary feed)