Through adversity, we stood strong as a team and here we are today: Maharaj

WTC FINAL, 2025

South Africa has ended their 27-year wait for an ICC trophy, defeating reigning champions Australia by six wickets in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord's. After numerous near misses, the Proteas overcame all obstacles to claim the coveted crown.

Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham embrace after securing the win © Getty

Here’s what the South African players had to say after their historic win:

Kyle Verreynne

"I was just thinking, please, I don't want to go bat. Aiden (Markram) batted beautifully, but when I walked to the middle, I was extremely nervous. My heart rate was up, but I managed to get over the line. It was incredible. This win means a lot to South Africa. We could hear the entire ground singing. Last night, on our way back to the hotel, we saw people in the streets singing songs. It's incredible. I'll probably get emotional because we've had a tough time as South African cricketers. Yeah, it's incredible."

David Bedingham

"Amazing. I was nervous, but the way Aiden (Markram) and Temba (Bavuma) played calmed us down. I didn’t feel calm going into the innings, but thankfully, we got over the line. The sun played a massive factor, and we got lucky with the conditions, but we'll take it. It's been 27 years, and I'm so thankful we got over the line. I'm also thankful for everyone watching here and back home. Brilliant."

Marco Jansen

"I don't know what to say. I was just praying, and luckily, we got the job done. I'm just happy that we got the job done. There were a lot of nerves in the changing room, a lot of quiet guys, including myself. But to have the fans here, to hear them cheer us on every single ball, every single run, you can't ask for anything more. The families are here as well, and we're just happy to do it. Markram is unbelievable. What a player, what a guy to have on your team. He's a fighter, and so is Temba (Bavuma). Dreams are meant to be achieved, and we're going to celebrate really, really long."

Lungi Ngidi

"I'm speechless right now. That spell the other evening was to try and break the game open. There was a lot of excitement at the time, which is probably what kept me going. Right now, I've got no words for how I feel. I'm very proud of what the boys have achieved today. It's been a long journey with a lot of hard work. The blood pressure's really high, but most of all, I'm very proud of what the guys have been able to achieve."

Keshav Maharaj

"It's special. Tears won't even describe what we feel right now. It's a privilege and honour to come home with the title and be a part of this team. It's super special for everyone out there and everyone back home. It's what our country's about. To see the unity over the last five days and throughout the season is super special, and we're very grateful as a team, as a nation, and as our proud country. We are very grateful and thankful to everyone supporting us here and from abroad."

"Through adversity, we have stood strong as a team, and here we are today to raise the trophy that's eluded us for 100 years. We honour those before us, those that are here, and those that have come. We love you, we appreciate you, and hope you continue supporting us. We're doing good things as a team and as a country, and may this be the stepping stone to better things to come."

Shukri Conrad (Head Coach)

"I'm thrilled and ecstatic for these guys. This was for South Africa. Everything that goes on in our country, to be able to deliver something like this, is truly special. We got the best of the batting conditions. 280 was always going to be a stiff task, but when our two senior pros, Aiden (Markram) and Temba (Bavuma), put that big stand together, that’s where the game was won."

Kagiso Rabada

"I can't describe how I feel at the moment. I'm extremely happy. We've played really well throughout the entire season. We've worked really hard, and we deserve to be in this position. There were people saying that we weren’t playing good enough, but I think that's rubbish. We came here and we played the best team. Australia have been magnificent all season, and we had to be at our A game to beat them. Thank you for your support to the fans. These last four days felt like a home game."

Ryan Rickelton

"Walking out on the fourth innings chasing 280 in the final is always going to be a bit pressurized. I was a bit nervous, but at the same time, we knew that the wicket was starting to look a bit better, and we could try and advance and play some shots. The guys batted incredibly well. Hats off to Aiden (Markram); it's one of the greatest innings I've ever seen. Really, really special. The magnitude of the occasion, how he handled the pressure, and the way he transferred it back into such an experienced attack was something special."