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Key Points

South Africa's WTC victory at Lord’s ended a 27-year knockout drought, with Aiden Markram’s century sealing the win. Coach Shukri Conrad dedicated the triumph to his late father and the nation, calling cricket a unifying force. Emotional moments followed as Keshav Maharaj celebrated with his daughter, calling it a dream fulfilled. Captain Temba Bavuma shared how fatherhood has reshaped his leadership and purpose on the field.

Key Points: SA Coach Conrad Dedicates WTC Win to Team and Nation After Father's Passing

  • South Africa ends 27-year knockout drought with WTC win over Australia
  • Aiden Markram's 136 steers historic chase at Lord's
  • Coach Conrad honors late father, a former cricketer
  • Keshav Maharaj fulfills dream with daughter on Father’s Day
2 min read

Cricket means so much to us and people of the country: SA coach Conrad on WTC triumph

Shukri Conrad reflects on South Africa's emotional WTC triumph, fatherhood, and cricket's deep meaning for the team and nation.

"Cricket means so much to all of us, and to the people of this country. – Shukri Conrad"

London, June 15

A day after South Africa won the 2025 ICC World Test Championship, head coach Shukri Conrad said the sport is deeply valued by all members of the winning team, as well as by the people of the rainbow nation.

At Lord’s on Saturday, South Africa beat the defending champions Australia by five wickets to win the WTC mace and end a 27-year knockout losing streak. Opener Aiden Markram made a magnificent 136 and steered South Africa to victory in the Ultimate Test by lunch on day four by chasing 282 in 83.4 overs.

Notably, two months ago, Conrad lost his father Sedick, who himself was a first-class cricketer. “I guess I do play that father figure role, because most of these guys are close in age to my kids. They keep me young, because they give me headaches. People like Dane Paterson… they are the reason I don’t have any hair anymore.”

“If he is quiet for too long, you know he is up to no good. And some of the music they play…my goodness! But they are the reason we do this and keep coaching. Cricket means so much to all of us, and to the people of this country,” said Conrad in a Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement on Sunday.

Veteran left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was left in tears of joy after achieving WTC glory, and said a dream he saw had come true at Lord’s just before Father’s Day came on Sunday. “This is even more special, because my family is here with me. It is my first one as a father, and my dream was to have my daughter with me, playing on the outfield at Lord’s, with a winner’s medal on her,” an emotional Maharaj added.

One of the memorable and viral images from SA’s WTC win was of captain Temba Bavuma having the WTC mace in one hand, and his son holding the other hand. “Fatherhood has definitely changed me as a person. Even the team says it has made me a better man. It is special and gives you someone else to play for,” he concluded.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
What a heartwarming victory for South Africa! As an Indian cricket fan, I can relate to how much this means to them. Our 1983 World Cup win had similar emotions. Coach Conrad's words show cricket is more than just a game - it's about family, legacy and national pride. 🇿🇦🏏
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Priya M.
The father-son moments with Bavuma and Maharaj's daughter on the field melted my heart! Cricket truly brings generations together. Hope Team India draws inspiration from this for our next WTC campaign. Markram's century was pure class - reminds me of Kohli's 2018 England tour!
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Arjun S.
Respect to SA for breaking their knockout jinx! But honestly, the ICC needs to reconsider the WTC format. A single final after 2 years of cricket? Doesn't feel right. Should be a 3-match series like our Border-Gavaskar Trophy. What do others think?
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Sunita R.
Emotional to see Conrad coaching through personal loss. Reminds me of Dhoni playing the 2011 WC final after his father's passing. Cricket has this unique way of healing. SA deserved this win after years of coming close. Now waiting for India to lift that mace! 🤞
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Vikram J.
Great to see test cricket getting its due! T20 is fun but nothing beats the drama of a 5-day match. That Markram innings was proper test batting - patience and then acceleration. Hope BCCI takes note and prepares better pitches for our home tests next cycle.
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Neha P.
The team chemistry shines through in their celebrations! Reminds me of our 2007 T20 WC young team. But one concern - why do Asian teams struggle in these finals? India lost twice, now Australia. Is it pressure or conditions? Need to analyze before 2027!

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