WTC Final 2025: South Africa Clinch Maiden World Test Championship Title, Beat Australia by 5 Wickets

WTC Final 2025: South Africa Clinch Maiden World Test Championship Title, Beat Australia by 5 Wickets

Date: June 14, 2025
Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Result: South Africa beat Australia by 5 wickets
Significance: South Africa win their first-ever ICC World Test Championship and their first ICC title in 27 years

In a historic moment for South African cricket, the Proteas defeated Australia by 5 wickets on Day 4 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord’s, securing their first ICC trophy since 1998. Led by a brilliant century from Aiden Markram and a gritty half-century from an injured Temba Bavuma, South Africa chased down the target of 282 runs in style.

Match Summary:

Australia 1st Innings: 212
South Africa 1st Innings: 138
Australia 2nd Innings: 207
South Africa 2nd Innings: 282/5 (83.4 overs)

Key Highlights:

Aiden Markram starred with a match-defining century, anchoring the chase under pressure.
Captain Temba Bavuma, despite battling an injury, contributed a crucial fifty.
Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler of the match, taking 9 wickets across both innings.
Kyle Verreyne hit the winning runs with a drive through the off-side, sparking scenes of joy on the Lord’s balcony.
The Proteas leveled scores in the 83rd over and sealed the win in the next over, with five wickets to spare.

WTC Final 2025 – Final Moments:

At SA 280/5, the tension peaked as South Africa needed just 2 runs.
With scores level at 281, Verreyne missed a scoop shot that should have been out — but Australia had no reviews left.
Moments later, he finished the chase with a boundary, triggering massive celebrations from fans and players alike.

Historical Significance:

This victory marks South Africa's first ICC title since winning the ICC KnockOut Trophy in 1998, ending a 27-year drought. It is also their first World Test Championship crown, a feat that cements their resurgence on the global cricket stage.