Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen took centre stage and lauded South Africa's star opener Aiden Markram for his exceptional knock against Australia in the World Test Championship final, where the Proteas won their first ICC title since 1998.

Aiden Markram's ton stunned Pat Cummins' Australia as it resulted in South Africa defeating Pat Cummins and Co. in the World Test Championship 2025 Final

Aiden Markram was full of compliments for his captain Temba Bavuma after he scored a fine 66 despite a hamstring strai

Markram, already unbeaten on 102, continued his fine form and ended with a brilliant 136, setting up a comfortable finish before lunch. Captain Temba Bavuma, who battled through a hamstring strain, supported him with a gritty 65 as South Africa crossed the line with ease.

Australia left-armer Mitchell Starc, who took three of South Africa's five second-innings wickets, told cricket.com.au they tried almost everything with the ball to dislodge the South African opener as he took full advantage of the best batting conditions in the second half of the match.

Aiden Markram, the Player of the Match in the WTC final, revealed he took inspiration from the T20 World Cup defeat against India last year.

In a post on his X account, AB de Villiers expressed his joy as South Africa won their first ICC title in 27 years. He praised Aiden Markram, who scored a century in the WTC Final. He also was all praise for captain Temba Bavuma.