The ‘Ultimate Test’ has finally come to an end with South Africa emerging as the new champions by defeating the reigning world champions, Australia, by a convincing margin of 5 wickets. The Proteas, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and invited the Kangaroos to come out and open with the bat. Surprisingly, Marnus Labuschagne was seen opening alongside their all-time opener, Usman Khawaja. This experiment by the Aussies failed to create any impact, and the team wrapped up their innings on just 212 runs.
1st Innings
Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) took the team past 200. Other than the two, none of the Australian batters could give a hand with the bat. Alex Carey’s 23 runs came in handy, but what amazed the spectators was the 3 batters who went back to the hut without opening their account, including opener Usman Khawaja. Kagiso Rabada tormented the Australian first innings by taking a 5-wicket haul. Marco Jensen complimented Rabada quite well and also claimed 3 wickets for himself. Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj bagged 1 wicket each.
The Proteas came out to bat with an intent to take a massive lead in the first innings, but their campaign in the first innings went misdirected when the team went all out on just 138 runs. David Bedingham was the highest run scorer of the innings for South Africa when he ultimately departed for 45 runs. Australia captain Pat Cummins displayed an exemplary performance and bagged a 6-wicket haul. Mitchell Starc could claim 2 wickets while Josh Hazlewood managed to put just 1 wicket in the bag.
2nd Innings
The Australians, after sending the Proteas back to the pavilion early, came out to bat with a lead of 74 runs in hand. But this time again, all the wickets crumbled after the South African speedsters, led by Kagiso Rabada, took the matter into their own hands. Mitchell Starc’s half century led the team past the 200 runs mark, and apart from the left-arm pacer, every batter went back without much trouble. Rabada once again displayed his prowess and took 4 wickets. Lungi Ngidi claimed 3 wickets while Jensen, Mulder, and Markram got 1 wicket each. The Australian innings ended at 207 this time.
Following a run-less 1st innings, Aiden Markram emerged as the conductor for South Africa’s WTC finals electrifying performance. With a target of 282 runs, Aiden Markram smashed a stunning century when he was ultimately sent to the pavilion on 136 runs and became the only South African to smash a century at an ICC finals. Captain Temba Bavuma also gave a good hand with the bat and smashed 66 runs. Australia’s massive pace attack looked helpless before the Proteas’ batting lineup.
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