Historic Triumph Over Australia at Lord’s Ends 27-Year ICC Trophy Drought

In a moment that will be etched in cricket history, South Africa defeated Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. With this victory, South Africa clinched its first ICC title since 1998, ending a 27-year-long wait and firmly establishing itself as a Test cricket powerhouse.

Match Summary: South Africa vs. Australia WTC Final 2025

The WTC Final, held from June 11–14, 2025, at Lord’s, was a rollercoaster of high-octane cricket, with 28 wickets falling in the first two days. Australia, the defending champions, set a target of 282 after a gritty second innings led by Mitchell Starc’s unbeaten 58. South Africa’s chase was powered by a monumental 143-run partnership between Markram (102) and Bavuma (65), who battled through a hamstring injury to guide their team to 213/2 by the end of Day 3. On Day 4, Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs, sealing a historic victory with eight wickets in hand.

Key Performances in the WTC Final

Aiden Markram’s Masterclass: Markram’s 102 not out off 159 balls, including 14 boundaries, was the cornerstone of South Africa’s chase. His composed innings, blending risk management with elegant stroke play, earned him praise as a “warrior” by teammate Marco Jansen.

Temba Bavuma’s Grit: Despite a strained hamstring, captain Bavuma scored an unbeaten 65, anchoring the innings and proving his leadership under pressure. His partnership with Markram is already being hailed as one of South Africa’s greatest in Test history.

Kagiso Rabada’s Bowling Brilliance: Rabada’s fiery spells, including a five-wicket haul (5/51) in Australia’s first innings and four wickets in the second (4/59), kept South Africa in the contest. His ability to exploit Lord’s conditions was pivotal.

Australia’s Fightback: Pat Cummins led Australia with a remarkable 6/28 in South Africa’s first innings, while Mitchell Starc’s 58 and 3/66 with the ball showcased their resilience. However, dropped catches, including a costly miss of Bavuma by Steve Smith, proved decisive.

Day-by-Day Breakdown of the WTC Final 2025

Day 1: Bowlers Dominate

The opening day saw 14 wickets fall, with South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3 wickets) bowling Australia out for 212. In response, South Africa struggled to 43/4, trailing by 169 runs, as Australia’s pace trio of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood struck early.

Day 2: Australia Surge, South Africa Fight Back

South Africa’s first innings collapsed to 138, with Cummins’ post-lunch spell of 4 wickets for 1 run stealing the show. Australia’s second innings faltered at 73/7, thanks to Rabada and Lungi Ngidi (3/38), but a 61-run stand between Starc and Alex Carey (43) extended their lead to 218. A dropped catch of Starc by Jansen late on Day 2 proved costly.

Day 3: Markram and Bavuma Take Charge

Australia added 63 runs to set a 282-run target, with Starc’s half-century proving crucial. South Africa’s chase began shakily, losing Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder to Starc, but Markram and Bavuma’s unbroken 143-run stand took them to 213/2, needing just 69 runs on Day 4.

Day 4: South Africa Seal Historic Victory

On a tense final morning, Markram fell for 136 to Josh Hazlewood, caught by Travis Head, but Kyle Verreynne (4) and David Bedingham (21) guided South Africa to victory. Verreynne’s cover drive off Starc sparked celebrations, as South Africa ended their ICC title drought.

Why This Victory Matters for South Africa

South Africa’s triumph is a landmark moment, breaking a 27-year ICC trophy drought and shedding the “chokers” tag that has haunted them since their 1991 readmission to international cricket. With eight consecutive Test wins leading into the final, the Proteas proved their mettle against a formidable Australian side. Captain Temba Bavuma emphasized the significance, stating, “This would be massive for our country, both in terms of what we want to achieve in Test cricket and going forward.”

The victory at Lord’s, the “Home of Cricket,” adds to the narrative of redemption. South Africa’s only previous ICC title was the 1998 Knockout Trophy, and this win places them alongside rugby and soccer heroes like Francois Pienaar and Sibusiso Zuma in the nation’s sporting folklore.

What’s Next for South Africa and Australia?

For South Africa, this victory solidifies their status as a Test cricket powerhouse and sets the stage for their upcoming series. The team’s focus on youth, with players like Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs, signals a bright future. Australia, despite the loss, showed their depth with Cummins and Starc’s performances. However, Steve Smith’s injury—a compound dislocation of his finger—raises concerns for their upcoming tour of the West Indies.

Conclusion: A New Era for South African Cricket

South Africa’s victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 is more than a sporting triumph; it’s a moment of national pride and unity. Aiden Markram’s century, Temba Bavuma’s resilience, and Kagiso Rabada’s brilliance have etched their names in cricket history. As South Africa celebrates, the cricketing world looks forward to their next chapter, while Australia will aim to regroup and reclaim their dominance.

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