South African players were emotional and were seen crying after winning the World Test Championship Final against Australia. It is their first ICC title in 27 years, with their previous success coming under Hansie Cronje’s captaincy in 1998. The right-arm pacer Lungi Ngidi was ecstatic after his team crossed the finishing line at Lord’s.

He went wicketless in the first innings but gave three crucial blows to the Aussies in the second essay. Steve Smith (13) and Beau Webster (9), the two highest run-scorers in the first innings, were undone by Lungi.

He returned to dismiss Australia captain Pat Cummins, who managed just 6 runs. Although Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (58) added important runs, the 2023 champions were bowled out for 207.

Aiden Markram (136) and Temba Bavuma (66) ensured the remaining batters were not pressured.

“I am speechless,” Lungi Ngidi said. “There was a lot of excitement on the field, which helped me on Day 3 of the match. I am proud of our achievement. The BP was high during the run chase. We worked hard for this moment,” he added.

Markram was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock in the fourth innings.