South Africa’s cricketing historical past welcomed a golden chapter on June 14, 2025, because the Proteas lifted the ICC World Check Championship (WTC) mace by defeating Australia in an exciting last at Lord’s. The six-wicket win not solely marked a exceptional finish to the 2023–25 cycle but additionally broke the nation’s 27-year drought for an ICC trophy. For a rustic that has lengthy carried the burden of heartbreaks and missed alternatives in world occasions, this win was greater than only a title — it was redemption.
Amidst the nationwide celebration, legendary cricketer AB de Villiers took to social media to share an emotional word, praising the workforce’s efficiency, notably highlighting the contributions of skipper Temba Bavuma and centurion Aiden Markram. His message struck a private chord, reflecting each nationwide pleasure and the enjoyment of sharing the second along with his younger sons.
A defining second in South African cricket historical past
Notably, South Africa’s journey to the WTC 2025 title wasn’t nearly a dominant last — it was about resilience over two years of constant Check cricket. By overcoming the defending champions Australia within the summit conflict, the Proteas lastly shed the dreaded “chokers” tag that haunted them in earlier ICC tournaments.
Markram led the way in which within the last with a chic match-winning century, anchoring the chase below stress. Bavuma’s management was calm but fierce, guiding the workforce with a mixture of grit and tactical sharpness. The victory, set in opposition to the enduring backdrop of Lord’s, evoked recollections of South Africa’s rise within the late Nineteen Nineties — solely this time, they crossed the ultimate hurdle.
Additionally READ: Followers go gaga as South Africa elevate first-ever WTC title with Aiden Markram’s epic 136 in opposition to Australia at Lord’s
AB de Villiers’ tribute to the WTC Champions
Reacting to the historic victory, former Proteas captain De Villiers posted a touching message on X (previously Twitter), applauding the workforce’s composure and brilliance on the largest stage.
“Congratulations @ProteasMenCSA Implausible win and so nicely performed! Hats off to Markram for that match profitable century, and Temba for main with such ice and fireplace all by way of” wrote de Villiers.
He went on to explain the non-public pleasure of watching the WTC Ultimate unfold, noting how the gradual drama of Check cricket made the expertise much more particular.
“What an unbelievable expertise of watching this stunning format of the sport! The constructed up drama, the gradual anticipation, and the candy victory to finish all of it had been moments to savour.. and to expertise that with my two boys thrilled and on their toes — couldn’t have imagined it higher than this,” added De Villiers.
Congratulations @ProteasMenCSA
Implausible win and so nicely performed! Hats off to Markram for that match profitable century, and Temba for main with such ice and fireplace all by way of👏🏻🏆What an unbelievable expertise of watching this stunning format of the sport! The constructed up drama,… pic.twitter.com/NVBR3apmKo
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) June 14, 2025
Additionally WATCH: WTC Ultimate 2025 – Aiden Markram’s match-winning knock earns standing ovation from Lord’s crowd