The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) third cycle final (2023-25) saw South Africa defeat Australia by 5 wickets. The match at Lord's Cricket Ground in London presented South Africa with a target of 282 runs, which they achieved on the fourth day of play. With this triumph, South Africa became the third team to lift the World Test Championship title, following in the footsteps of New Zealand in the first cycle and Australia in the second.
Choker Tag Erased, Bavuma Unveils Major Revelation on Aussie Team
This title win also enabled the South African team to rid themselves of the 'choker' label. For years, fans have been trolling the South African team as 'chokers' due to their unfortunate habit of losing knockout matches. Even during the WTC final, Australian players couldn't resist sledging the South African players.
On the fourth day, with just 69 runs needed and eight wickets in hand, the Australian players were still hopeful of a South African collapse. Captain Temba Bavuma revealed that on the fourth day of the final (June 14), Australian players were using the word 'choke' to taunt them.
Source: aajtak
Temba Bavuma told BBC Test Match Special, "This morning we were once again branded as 'chokers.' While we were batting, we heard Australian players using the term 'choke.' One of them said they're still hoping for us to be all out. I certainly heard that comment."
A Moving Statement from Markram
'Player of the Match' Aiden Markram hopes the term 'chokers' will no longer be used for South Africa. Aiden Markram commented after the match, 'It would be great if we never hear that word (choke) again. This time, we completed the task and got rid of that tag; it's a significant achievement for our team.'
The South African team has managed to clinch an ICC title after 27 years since their first ICC win in 1998 (Wills International Cup). Aiden Markram and Captain Temba Bavuma played crucial roles in South Africa’s WTC final victory. Markram scored a remarkable 136 in the run chase, while Bavuma contributed 66. Their partnership of 147 runs for the third wicket completely swung the match in South Africa's favor.
