(Video) Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers Met with Thunderous Ovation at WTC final

South African legends Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers were applauded by fans at the Lord's, as the Proteas won the 2025 WTC final.


(Video) Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers Met with Thunderous Ovation at WTC final

South African legends Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers were applauded by fans, at the Lord's during the WTC final. (via X)

South African cricketing greats Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers were met with thunderous applause by the crowd, during the 2025 World Test Championship final at the Lord’s. The Proteas won their first major ICC title in over 27 years, as they beat Australia to clinch the WTC title. 

As play resumed on the fourth day of the 2025 WTC final, the camera shifted its focus on two of South Africa’s finest players. Former skipper Graeme Smith was the first to be shown on camera, as he was received by loud cheers and applause from fans in the stadium. Next came AB de Villiers, who was spotted in the stands, along with his two sons. He too received a rousing reception from the fans. 

De Villiers celebrated in the stands, as South Africa etched its name on history books by winning the 2025 WTC final, defeating Australia by five wickets. It marked a monumental achievement for the Proteas, who secured their first major ICC trophy after a prolonged wait of 27 years. South Africa’s last ICC title was the 1998 ICC Champions Trophy (then known as the Knockout Trophy), which they won by beating West Indies.

However, the 2025 WTC final win will remain in the hearts of many, including Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers, who were a part of the South African side during its golden era in the 2000s. Smith, who was South Africa’s red-ball captain from 2003 to 2014, won an impressive 53 of the 109 matches that he led his side in. He cemented his status as one of the greatest captains in the longest format, alongside Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting.

Graeme Smith was equally impressive with the bat, forging a brilliant opening partnership with Herschelle Gibbs for the Proteas during his Test playing days. In 117 matches throughout his career, Smith scored 9,265 runs at an average of 48.25, hitting 27 hundreds and 38 half-centuries. He is third on the list of the country’s highest run-scorers in Tests, and is followed by another legend, de Villiers, himself.

De Villiers, despite being a more prolific and successful player in white-ball cricket, boasts a brilliant Test profile. He played for the team from 2004 to 2018, most of it under Smith’s captaincy. In 114 Tests, de Villiers scored an impressive 8,765 runs at a better average of 50.66, hitting 22 hundreds and 46 half-centuries. He even captained the team in all three formats, but had to step down after a series of injuries.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s WTC victory undeniably signals a new era for their cricket. It is anticipated that 35-year-old captain Temba Bavuma will likely step down in the coming years, paving the way for a new generation of players to lead.

Graeme Smith Hails South African Stars Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram’s WTC-Winning Performances

Ex-South African skipper Graeme Smith was full of praise for Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram for their match-winning displays, following the team’s first World Test Championship triumph. South Africa beat defending champions Australia by five wickets to clinch the title. 

Graeme Smith on South Africa WTC
Graeme Smith praised Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, as South Africa won the 2025 WTC final. (via X)

Speaking to the ICC Digital Daily, Smith lauded the team’s grit and determination in the final. He praised skipper Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram for their 147-run stand in the second innings, which helped the team over the line. Smith emotionally expressed that this win would revitalize cricket in South Africa. He also praised Bavuma for his batting effort, even while battling a hamstring injury.

Aiden Markram was awarded Man of the Match for his 136 runs off 207 balls in the second innings, helping South Africa chase a 282-run target on a tricky surface. Meanwhile, captain Bavuma contributed with scores of 36 and 66 across both innings, to contribute to the win.