In a historic triumph at Lord’s, South Africa clinched their first ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title on June 14, 2025, defeating Australia by five wickets in a gripping final. The Proteas, led by Temba Bavuma, chased down a daunting 282-run target, the joint second-highest fourth-innings total in Test history at the venue, ending a 27-year wait for a major ICC title since their 1998 Champions Trophy win. Aiden Markram’s masterful 136 and Bavuma’s gritty 66, despite a hamstring injury, powered South Africa to victory, overcoming early jitters and Australia’s fierce bowling attack. Here’s how the dramatic final unfolded.
Day 1: South Africa Strike Early, Australia Fight Back
South Africa, winning the toss, opted to bowl under overcast skies. Kagiso Rabada set the tone, dismissing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in a single over, leaving Australia reeling at 22-2. However, Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) steadied the ship with fighting fifties, guiding Australia to 212 in 56.4 overs. Rabada’s five-wicket haul (5-67) was the standout, showcasing his ability to exploit the lively Lord’s pitch. In reply, South Africa struggled against Australia’s pace trio, ending the day at 43-4, with David Bedingham (45) offering some resistance.
Day 2: Cummins’ Six-For, South Africa’s Fightback
The second day saw chaos as 13 wickets fell. South Africa’s first innings collapsed to 138 in 57.1 overs, with captain Pat Cummins delivering a devastating 6-28. Bedingham’s 45 remained the top score, but Australia’s 74-run lead seemed decisive. However, South Africa’s bowlers, led by Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, roared back after tea, dismantling Australia’s top order. By stumps, Australia were 145-6, their lead at 219, keeping the match in the balance. Ngidi later remarked, “If we can knock those over and chase 225, people are going to get their money’s worth.”
Day 3: Markram and Bavuma Shift Momentum
Australia’s tail, bolstered by a gritty last-wicket stand, extended their lead to 281, setting South Africa a challenging 282 to win. The Proteas began cautiously but lost two early wickets. Enter Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, who forged a game-changing 143-run partnership. Markram’s unbeaten 102, a blend of elegance and grit, and Bavuma’s 65, scored while hobbling with a hamstring injury, took South Africa to 213-2 by close, needing just 69 more runs. The pair’s intent, as Markram noted, stemmed from coach Shukri Conrad’s mantra to “go for it” without fear.
Day 4: South Africa Seal Historic Win
Day 4 began with South Africa at 213-2, but Australia struck early when Cummins dismissed Bavuma (66), caught behind off a seaming delivery. With 41 runs still needed, Mitchell Starc bowled Tristan Stubbs (8) through the gate, sparking nerves in the South African camp, especially with memories of past ICC tournament collapses. However, Markram, ice-cool and relentless, steered the chase with David Bedingham (21*). Markram fell for 136, caught by Travis Head off Josh Hazlewood with six runs left, but Kyle Verreynne sealed the victory, crashing Starc through the covers for four. Despite a late scare—Verreynne was caught behind but Australia had no reviews left—the Proteas triumphed at 12:45 pm, sparking wild celebrations.
Key Moments and Performances
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Aiden Markram (136): His century, the only one of the match, earned him Player of the Match honors. “Lord’s is the place every Test cricketer wants to play,” he said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the win.
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Temba Bavuma (66): Battling injury, the captain’s resilience silenced doubters, culminating in him lifting the ICC mace. “We planned for it, prepped for it, and put in the work,” he told Test Match Special.
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Kagiso Rabada (9 wickets): His match haul, including a first-innings five-for, was pivotal in keeping South Africa in the contest.
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Pat Cummins (6-28): Australia’s captain led from the front, but his team couldn’t capitalize on their first-innings lead. “They were fantastic in that fourth innings,” he admitted.
The Aftermath: A New Era for South Africa
South Africa’s victory, their first major title in 27 years, buried the “chokers” tag that had haunted them, especially after Australia’s sledging during the chase. The win, powered by eight straight Test victories, including four away, validated their WTC campaign despite criticism of an “easier” path. For Australia, the loss stung, with Nathan Lyon lamenting, “We got outplayed.” As Bavuma lifted the mace amid flames and cheers, joined by teammates and families, South Africa celebrated a triumph that could reinvigorate Test cricket in a nation increasingly drawn to franchise leagues.
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