Smith says WTC win will reignite South African cricket
South Africa’s historic ICC World Test Championship (WTC) victory is being hailed as a potential turning point for the game in the country, with Betway SA20 Commissioner and former Proteas captain Graeme Smith saying it could “really lift the game again in South Africa.”
“We’ve fought extremely hard over the last two to three years to build South African cricket up again,” Smith said. “Temba holding the mace and what that will mean for the people back home… I think this will really lift the game again.”
Aiden Markram delivers under pressure
Smith, who previously captained South Africa to the No.1 Test ranking, had backed Aiden Markram before the final—and the 30-year-old delivered with a stunning second-innings 136 at Lord’s.
“I actually picked him at the start of this innings,” Smith said. “He scores quickly, takes the game on. Coming off a duck in the first innings, to do that in the second—under pressure—was incredible.”
Bavuma praised for leading through injury
Smith also lauded captain Temba Bavuma, who played a gritty 66 despite a hamstring strain and shared a 147-run partnership with Markram.
“Temba’s been our most consistent batter. Battling through injury and still putting the country first—that says everything about his leadership,” said Smith.
WTC title ends 27-year drought
The win over Australia at Lord’s marked South Africa’s first ICC trophy in 27 years, last lifting silverware at the 1998 Champions Trophy. It capped a dominant WTC cycle built on team depth, consistency, and resilience.
Next up: Test series against Zimbabwe
With the celebrations continuing at Sandton Convention Centre and OR Tambo Airport, South Africa’s next Test assignment is a two-match series against Zimbabwe, starting July 28 in Bulawayo.
This moment is more than a victory—it’s a symbol of cricket’s revival in South Africa, powered by unity, grit, and belief.
