South African spinner Keshav Maharaj broke down in tears after his team ended a 27-year jinx for an ICC trophy, clinching the World Test Championship title with a stunning five-wicket victory over Australia at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Saturday (June 14).
As soon as Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs, the Proteas dressing room erupted in joy but for Maharaj, the emotions were overwhelming.
In a heartfelt post-match interview with former South African skipper Graeme Smith, Maharaj couldn’t hold back his tears. He spoke about what the victory meant for the nation and paid tribute to the unwavering support of fans.
"It's special, it's an honour to lift the cup for everyone out here and back home. Tears won't even describe what we feel right now. It's what the country's about, the unity among everyone in the last five days. We're very grateful for everyone here," Maharaj told ICC.
"For everyone here and back home, this is super special for us. We are very grateful as a team, as a nation," he added.
Maharaj also spoke of the pride he would’ve carried had he needed to walk out to bat, stressing that his emotions would have fuelled him rather than held him back.
"I think the emotions would've spurred me into the right direction had I got into bat. Thanks to everyone who's been supporting us, through adversity we've stood strong. We honour those who've come before us, may this be a stepping stone for greater things to come," he remarked.
Chasing 282 to win, the Proteas reached 213/2 at stumps on Day 3, with Aiden Markram (102*) and Temba Bavuma (65*) unbeaten in the middle.
In the morning session on the penultimate day, Bavuma was dismissed for 66 while Markram managed to add 34 runs to his overnight tally. However, David Bedingham (21*) and Kyle Verreynne (4*) completed the formalities and took South Africa over the finishing line.
