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"I Felt Hopeless...": Aiden Markram Reveals Emotional Battle After T20 WC Loss

Rajgeeta Yadav

Aiden Markram admits [Source: AP Photos and @Arnavv43/X.com]Aiden Markram admits [Source: AP Photos and @Arnavv43/X.com]

South Africa finally broke their ICC trophy drought after 27 years, defeating mighty Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final at Lord’s. Aiden Markram was the hero, scoring a match-winning 136 in the fourth innings, helping the Proteas chase down 282 in style.

Aiden Markram Reflects On Redemption In WTC Final

But behind this special knock was a deeply emotional backstory. Markram revealed he was haunted by memories of South Africa’s heartbreaking loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. In that match, Proteas collapsed despite needing just a run-a-ball with six wickets in hand. 

“I thought a lot about the T20 World Cup last night and how hopeless I felt sitting on the side after getting out," Markram said in the post-match press conference, via ESPNcricinfo. “I was like, I don’t want to sit there again. So, this gave me a bit of motivation to make sure I stayed at the crease, if I could. But never once did I think about the achievements and what would come with it. It was always about just trying to get the job done and trying to win," he added.

Markram, who had gotten out for a duck in the first innings, made up for it in grand style. His 207-ball 136 lifted South Africa from 70/2 in a tense run-chase. Along with captain Temba Bavuma (66), he stitched a crucial 147-run partnership that set up the win. 

“Yeah, it was weird last night. I was pretty emotional. Then the hundred happened, and a couple of tears leaked out that I was trying to fight. I tried to take a sleeping tablet, but it didn’t work. The mind just couldn’t switch off. But fortunately, today wasn’t ever going to be a full day, so I knew it would be fine," Markram admitted.

South Africa’s chase wasn’t without stumbles. Bavuma, who had already scored a vital 36 in the first innings, was dropped early by Steve Smith, a costly mistake. He was eventually dismissed on the final morning, but David Bedingham ensured there were no late dramas.

South Africa Finally Breaks Free from 'Chokers' Label

When Markram fell with just six runs left, the crowd at Lord’s knew history had been made. This win wasn’t just about cricket, it was redemption. SA had been labeled “chokers” for decades, often falling short at the biggest stages. But not this time.

With this victory, Bavuma becomes the first black African captain to win a ICC title in Test cricket.