It was an afternoon to relish, remember and celebrate hard for South Africa and its fans as skipper Temba Bavuma had just led his nation to a victory which was much awaited from decades. Putting an end to the tag of "chokers", this WTC is SA's first ICC title win after the 1998 Champions Trophy. The whole of Lord's stadium was up on its feet and appluading this historic win of the Proteas as soon as Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs. It seemed as if everyone in that crowd was rooting for them and why not, after all no other team has ever waited this long for a trophy and gone through such massive heartbreaks repeatedly, even after producing some of the world's best players and playing top class cricket. That Saturday afternoon in London witnessed almost every cricket fan cheering for the Proteas and celebrating their victory with equal joy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) An Epic Comeback This win was never easy for the Proteas. They were lagging way behind the Aussies in the game. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, South Africa dismissed Australia for 212 in the first innings but then got bowled out for just 138 themselves, conceding a healthy lead of 74 runs. On such a tricky pitch, it looked quite difficult for them to catch up after trailing by such a big margin. But then the Saffa bowlers stepped up once again in the third innings and how. Lungi Ngidi who was very expensive and went wicketless in the first innings, made a terrific comeback this time around and ran through the middle order of the Kangaroos, reducing them at a score of 73/7 at one point. The Aussies appeared to be in huge trouble now as they were ahead by just 147 runs with only 3 wickets remaining, once again on the verge of being bowled out. But as it so often does, the lower order of Australia managed to score runs... a lot of runs. The last three wickets added a total of 134 runs together, taking the team's score to 207. Mitchell Starc and Alex Carey scored 58* and 43 respectively. Josh Hazlewood also had a key contribution as he went on to face 53 deliveries while scoring 17 runs and built a 59 run partnership for the last wicket alongside Starc. The pitch had clearly got flatter but still a target of 282 at Lord's looked quite far away. However the Proteas stood tall with their approach and never let their guard down. It was their unshakable spirit and the never say die attitude which ensured a smooth and comfortable five-wicket victory for them. The highlight of the fourth innings was the 147-run stand between captain Bavuma (66) and Aiden Markram (136). The Proteas turned the match on its head twice which resulted in a hictoric win. Also Read: Temba Bavuma’s Gutsy Call to Bat Through Injury The Heroes: Rabada and Markram The main architects of this iconic Saffa win were undoubtedly Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram. Both of the star players got their names written on the Lord's Honours Board. Rabada picked up 9 wickets in the whole match including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. He was the chief of the bowling attack and delivered just like everyone expected him to. Ngidi and Marco Jansen did provide him the necessary support from the other end. Markram, who scored a duck in the first innings must have had a lot of pressure while opening and having a big target ahead of him. It has rarely felt that the immensely talented 30-year old batter has done justice to his test career as he hasn't been consistent in the format, averaging just 36.5. But this knock was different. It was full of intent and responsibility. Markram went on to score 136 runs with a strike rate of 65.7 and almost stayed till the end of the chase. He took on the Aussie pacers and it never felt as if he was uncomfortable out there. It might be the greatest knock of Markram's career till now and it ensured that his nation doesn't suffer another heartbreak. His partnership with Bavuma came at a crucial time and both of them batted the Aussies out of the match. It is a fascinating fact that both Rabada and Markram were a part of the South African under-19 team that won the 2014 U-19 World Cup. The team was led by Markram himself. Temba Brings Hope for the Proteas It was Bavuma's grandmother who named him 'Temba' which meant "hope". It won't be wrong to say that the Proteas skipper has well and truly brought alot of hope and huge success for his country. South Africa has seen the rise of some of the best cricketers in the world and some legendary leaders as well in the past three decades but none of them were lucky enough to achieve what Temba did- bring home an ICC title. After taking his side into the WTC Final, Bavuma also guided his team to the Test Mace. Whenever SA found themselves in trouble during the final, they saw their captain leading from the front and taking the team to a safe position. Bavuma scored crucial 36 runs in the 1st innings and stitched a 64-run partnership with David Bedingham when SA were 30/4. While chasing a target of 282 in the last innings, Proteas were 70/2 and it was a critical time in the match. It could have gone either ways but once again it was Bavuma who stood firm alongside the star of the innings- Aiden Markram. Shortly after the skipper came to the crease, he started to struggle with his hamstring and was seen limping while running between the wickets. He appeared to be in pain and it was quite difficult for him to run. Even though the team management was considering to bring him back, he didn't give up and decided that he'll continue to bat for his country. As a result, the third session of day-3 went wicketless for the Aussie bowlers and both the SA batters went unbeaten at stumps. Bavuma scored 66 and was involved in a match winning 147-run stand with Markram. With the victory of South Africa, Temba Bavuma still remains undefeated as a test skipper, which is a huge achievement in itself. Another intriguing fact is that pace trio of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc just lost their first international final of any ICC event. Test cricket is beautiful, unpredictable and works in mysterious ways- just like actual life. It always gives you a second chance and those who are willing to grab it and work for it, eventually go on to win. It's just so incredible how a team like South Africa who kept falling short of a world title every time in limited-overs cricket for the last 27 years, finally won one in their most celebrated format, the one that they have dominated the most, especially during 2005-18.