Aiden Markram etched his name into South African cricketing folklore on Saturday after producing what many are calling the greatest innings in the country’s history, steering his side to a landmark victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final.*
The 30-year-old right-hander, long touted as a future star since captaining South Africa to Under-19 World Cup glory a decade ago, finally delivered on his immense promise with a masterful 136 in the second innings at Lord’s – an effort that not only turned the match but also ended decades of heartache for South African cricket on the global stage.
Markram’s century came after he had registered a duck in the first innings and entered the second under mounting pressure, having not scored a Test hundred in his previous 16 innings. Yet, with the game in the balance and the pitch easing after two bowler-dominated days, Markram batted with a mix of composure and class to guide South Africa to their first-ever major ICC trophy in men’s senior cricket.
“I haven’t scored more important runs,” said a visibly emotional Markram during the celebrations. “It’s strange how things worked out after the first-innings duck. Sometimes you need a little luck, time in the middle, and then things start to happen. I’m just glad it came together when it mattered most.”
Having made his Test debut at 22 – agonisingly run out for 97 – Markram’s international journey has been a stop-start affair. While he has now notched eight Test hundreds and 13 fifties, his average of 36.50 has often been deemed below par for a top-order batter of his calibre.
However, any doubts about his pedigree were dispelled at the home of cricket, where his measured knock proved match-defining. With South Africa in early trouble, Markram forged a crucial partnership with captain Temba Bavuma, who battled through a hamstring strain to contribute a gritty 66.
A clutch knock that created history for South Africa 🫡
More from the Player of the Match of the #WTC25 Final ➡️ https://t.co/igwdklHQC5 pic.twitter.com/u3etZSp7UJ
— ICC (@ICC) June 15, 2025
“There was a moment when I wasn’t sure Temba could continue,” Markram revealed. “But I told him to stick it out. It slowed us down a bit, but his presence was massive.”
Bavuma, who lifted the trophy at a jubilant presentation ceremony on Saturday, was full of praise for his vice-captain. “Aiden is unbelievable. People have questioned his place in the side, but he showed his character. He played in true Aiden fashion.”
Markram appeared to wipe away tears after reaching three figures late on Friday, savouring the moment in front of a packed Lord’s crowd. “This is the place every Test cricketer dreams of playing. To score a century here, in a final, makes it one of the most special days of my life,” he said.
For a player who has carried the weight of expectation for so long, Markram’s century not only won a match — it may well have changed the course of South African cricket history.