Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, has rated Aiden Markram’s match-winning century against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 as one of the best he’s seen in tournament finals. Markram has a big-game mentality and Ponting himself has a history of delivering in big moments, like his 140 in the 2003 World Cup Final against India.
After the thriller at Lord’s, Ponting said Markram’s innings was top-notch given the circumstances and South Africa’s recent form. “When you think of big ICC events, World Cup finals come to mind. You might also think of Travis Head’s 137 in the 2023 final and then the last WTC final. Markram’s knock is right up there with that,” he said.
South Africa had missed the finals in the last two editions but found new motivation with head coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma taking over in January 2023. Their win at Lord’s was their eighth Test win in a row, just one short of their record.
One change was Markram’s return to the team after a rough patch that saw him dropped during the 2022/23 tour in Australia. He made a comeback of sorts with 115 in February 2023 and has been more determined since then, especially with his innings against India and now at Lord’s.
Ponting said, “It’s about stepping up when your team needs you the most. Everyone knew Markram had the talent. Honestly, when he wasn’t picked for the tour to Australia a couple of years ago, I couldn’t believe it. Now here he is, putting in one of his best performances. I bet he’ll say it’s the knock he’s most proud of and I’m sure his teammates will agree.”
As for the match, South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first. They quickly got Australia on the back foot, reducing them to 67 for 4 thanks to Rabada and Jansen. Australia scored 212 but South Africa struggled early in their innings and finished the first day at 43 for 4.
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Australia then bowled South Africa out for 138 thanks to Cummins. In their second innings, Australia were bowled out for 207 and set a target of 281. Rabada and Ngidi were the standout bowlers for South Africa.In the run chase, Markram had a big partnership with Wiaan Mulder before a 147 with Bavuma. Starc tried to fight back for Australia but Markram hit the winning runs and South Africa won their first ICC title since 1998. Markram was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’.
