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Photos capture South Africa's emotional WTC final victory over Australia at Lord's

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Photos capture South Africa's emotional WTC final victory over Australia at Lord's
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Photos capture South Africa's emotional WTC final victory over Australia at Lord's

2025-06-14 22:49 Last Updated At:23:01

South Africa has upset Australia by five wickets to win the World Test Championship on the fourth day of the final at Lord's.

The South Africans celebrated their first major trophy in 27 years on Saturday. Here are some highlights.

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South Africa's Kagiso Rabada, right, dives to field the ball on his own delivery during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada, right, dives to field the ball on his own delivery during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins celebrates the dismissal of South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins celebrates the dismissal of South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Beau Webster falls in an attempt to catch the ball after a shot play by South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma, right, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Beau Webster falls in an attempt to catch the ball after a shot play by South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma, right, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma wears a black armband in honor of the victims of Thursday's plane crash in India, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma wears a black armband in honor of the victims of Thursday's plane crash in India, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Josh Hazlewood, left, reacts after losing his wicket on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Josh Hazlewood, left, reacts after losing his wicket on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, right, celebrates with teammate Kagiso Rabada after the dismissal of Australia's Steve Smith on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, right, celebrates with teammate Kagiso Rabada after the dismissal of Australia's Steve Smith on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African players celebrate with the winner's trophy after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African players celebrate with the winner's trophy after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African fans react after their team's win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African fans react after their team's win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's head coach Shukri Conrad holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with players on the podium after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's head coach Shukri Conrad holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with players on the podium after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Keshav Maharaj, left, celebrates with teammate Kagiso Rabada after the dismissal of Australia's Alex Carey during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Keshav Maharaj, left, celebrates with teammate Kagiso Rabada after the dismissal of Australia's Alex Carey during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Mitchell Starc celebrates the dismissal of South Africa's Ryan Rickelton during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Mitchell Starc celebrates the dismissal of South Africa's Ryan Rickelton during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma reacts after playing a shot on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma reacts after playing a shot on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Aiden Markram, right, celebrates with batting partner Temba Bavuma after scoring a century on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Aiden Markram, right, celebrates with batting partner Temba Bavuma after scoring a century on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey, right, reacts as South Africa's Aiden Markram plays a shot on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey, right, reacts as South Africa's Aiden Markram plays a shot on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, right, celebrates the dismissal of Australia's Beau Webster on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, right, celebrates the dismissal of Australia's Beau Webster on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Players observe a minute of silence before the start of play to honor the victims of Thursday's plane crash in India, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Players observe a minute of silence before the start of play to honor the victims of Thursday's plane crash in India, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins, left, falls after a collision with South Africa's Kyle Verreynne while appealing for Verreynne's wicket on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins, left, falls after a collision with South Africa's Kyle Verreynne while appealing for Verreynne's wicket on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, second right, celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Australia's captain Pat Cummins on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, second right, celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Australia's captain Pat Cummins on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins, right, reacts after bowling a delivery on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins, right, reacts after bowling a delivery on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins bowls a delivery on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins bowls a delivery on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Mitchell Starc, left, chats with teammates before asking for a review for the wicket of South Africa's David Bedingham on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Mitchell Starc, left, chats with teammates before asking for a review for the wicket of South Africa's David Bedingham on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with teammates after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with teammates after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Aiden Markram bats on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Aiden Markram bats on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma celebrates with the winner's trophy after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma celebrates with the winner's trophy after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African players celebrate with the winner¥s trophy after their win in the World Test Championship against Australia at Lord¥s cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African players celebrate with the winner¥s trophy after their win in the World Test Championship against Australia at Lord¥s cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with teammates on the podium after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with teammates on the podium after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

This photo gallery has been curated by AP photo editors.

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada, right, dives to field the ball on his own delivery during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada, right, dives to field the ball on his own delivery during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins celebrates the dismissal of South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins celebrates the dismissal of South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Beau Webster falls in an attempt to catch the ball after a shot play by South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma, right, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Beau Webster falls in an attempt to catch the ball after a shot play by South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma, right, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma wears a black armband in honor of the victims of Thursday's plane crash in India, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma wears a black armband in honor of the victims of Thursday's plane crash in India, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Josh Hazlewood, left, reacts after losing his wicket on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Josh Hazlewood, left, reacts after losing his wicket on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, right, celebrates with teammate Kagiso Rabada after the dismissal of Australia's Steve Smith on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, right, celebrates with teammate Kagiso Rabada after the dismissal of Australia's Steve Smith on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African players celebrate with the winner's trophy after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African players celebrate with the winner's trophy after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African fans react after their team's win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African fans react after their team's win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's head coach Shukri Conrad holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with players on the podium after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's head coach Shukri Conrad holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with players on the podium after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Keshav Maharaj, left, celebrates with teammate Kagiso Rabada after the dismissal of Australia's Alex Carey during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Keshav Maharaj, left, celebrates with teammate Kagiso Rabada after the dismissal of Australia's Alex Carey during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Mitchell Starc celebrates the dismissal of South Africa's Ryan Rickelton during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Mitchell Starc celebrates the dismissal of South Africa's Ryan Rickelton during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma reacts after playing a shot on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma reacts after playing a shot on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Aiden Markram, right, celebrates with batting partner Temba Bavuma after scoring a century on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Aiden Markram, right, celebrates with batting partner Temba Bavuma after scoring a century on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey, right, reacts as South Africa's Aiden Markram plays a shot on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey, right, reacts as South Africa's Aiden Markram plays a shot on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, right, celebrates the dismissal of Australia's Beau Webster on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, right, celebrates the dismissal of Australia's Beau Webster on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Players observe a minute of silence before the start of play to honor the victims of Thursday's plane crash in India, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Players observe a minute of silence before the start of play to honor the victims of Thursday's plane crash in India, on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins, left, falls after a collision with South Africa's Kyle Verreynne while appealing for Verreynne's wicket on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins, left, falls after a collision with South Africa's Kyle Verreynne while appealing for Verreynne's wicket on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, second right, celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Australia's captain Pat Cummins on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, second right, celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Australia's captain Pat Cummins on day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins, right, reacts after bowling a delivery on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins, right, reacts after bowling a delivery on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins bowls a delivery on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's captain Pat Cummins bowls a delivery on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Mitchell Starc, left, chats with teammates before asking for a review for the wicket of South Africa's David Bedingham on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia's Mitchell Starc, left, chats with teammates before asking for a review for the wicket of South Africa's David Bedingham on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with teammates after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with teammates after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Aiden Markram bats on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's Aiden Markram bats on day four of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma celebrates with the winner's trophy after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma celebrates with the winner's trophy after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African players celebrate with the winner¥s trophy after their win in the World Test Championship against Australia at Lord¥s cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South African players celebrate with the winner¥s trophy after their win in the World Test Championship against Australia at Lord¥s cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with teammates on the podium after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma holds the winner's trophy and celebrates with teammates on the podium after their win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Vote counting was underway Friday in Uganda’s tense presidential election, which was held a day earlier amid an internet shutdown, voting delays and complaints by an opposition leader who said some of his polling agents had been detained by the authorities.

Opposition leader Bobi Wine said Thursday he was unable to leave his house and that his polling agents in rural areas were abducted before voting started, undermining his efforts to prevent electoral offenses such as ballot stuffing.

Wine is hoping to end President Yoweri Museveni's four-decade rule in an election during which the military was deployed and heavy security was posted outside his house near Kampala, the Ugandan capital, after the vote.

The musician-turned-politician wrote on X on Thursday that a senior party official in charge of the western region had been arrested, adding there was “massive ballot stuffing everywhere.”

Rural Uganda, especially the western part of the country, is a ruling-party stronghold, and the opposition would be disadvantaged by not having polling agents present during vote counting.

To try to improve his chances of winning, Wine had urged his supporters to “protect the vote” by having witnesses document alleged offenses at polling stations, in addition to deploying official polling agents.

Wine faced similar setbacks when he first ran for president five years ago. Museveni took 58% of the vote, while Wine got 35%, according to official results. Wine said at the time that the election had been rigged in favor of Museveni, who has spoken disparagingly of his rival.

Museveni, after voting on Thursday, said the opposition had infiltrated the 2021 election and defended the use of biometric machines as a way of securing the vote in this election.

Museveni has served the third-longest tenure of any African leader and is seeking to extend his rule into a fifth decade. The aging president’s authority has become increasingly dependent on the military, which is led by his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Uganda has not witnessed a peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence from British colonial rule six decades ago.

Voters line up to cast their ballots at a polling station, during the presidential election, in the capital, Kampala, Uganda, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Voters line up to cast their ballots at a polling station, during the presidential election, in the capital, Kampala, Uganda, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Election officials count ballots after the polls closed for the presidential election at a polling station in Kampala, Uganda, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Election officials count ballots after the polls closed for the presidential election at a polling station in Kampala, Uganda, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

An election official holds up unmarked ballots during the vote count after polls closed for the presidential election, at a polling center in Kampala, Uganda, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

An election official holds up unmarked ballots during the vote count after polls closed for the presidential election, at a polling center in Kampala, Uganda, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

A political representative speaks as he works to observe and verify the counting of ballots after polls closed in the presidential election at a polling station in Kampala, Uganda, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

A political representative speaks as he works to observe and verify the counting of ballots after polls closed in the presidential election at a polling station in Kampala, Uganda, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

A supporter of leading opposition candidate Bobi Wine cheers while watching election officials count ballots, after polls closed at a polling station in Kampala, Uganda, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

A supporter of leading opposition candidate Bobi Wine cheers while watching election officials count ballots, after polls closed at a polling station in Kampala, Uganda, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

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