WTC 2025 Final: History has finally changed for South African cricket. After decades of heartbreak and missed chances, South Africa have won the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final at Lord’s by defeating Australia by 5 wickets. This victory marks their first ICC trophy in 27 years, since their 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy win in Bangladesh. The win is not just a cricketing success but a symbol of perseverance, patience, and pride for South African fans worldwide.
All You Need to Know
- Event: ICC World Test Championship Final 2025
- Date: June 11 to June 15, 2025
- Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
- Winner: South Africa by 5 wickets
- Toss: South Africa won and opted to bowl first
- Player Of The Match: Aiden Markram
WTC 2025 Final: Match Highlights and Turning Points
Australia batted first and scored 212 runs in their first innings, with Steven Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) being the only strong contributors. Kagiso Rabada led the Proteas bowling with a five-wicket haul (5/51).
South Africa, in response, were bowled out for just 138 runs. Pat Cummins was sensational, picking 6 wickets for just 28 runs. With a lead of 74 runs, Australia had a strong upper hand.
However, in their second innings, Australia once again failed to build a big total and were dismissed for 207. Mitchell Starc’s 58* was the highest, while Rabada again picked 4 wickets. Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen chipped in with important breakthroughs.
Chasing 282 to win, South Africa ended Day 3 on 213/2. On Day 4, they started with Aiden Markram (102*) and Temba Bavuma (65*) at the crease. Though Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc picked up quick wickets to create pressure, Aiden Markram stood tall with a majestic 136. David Bedingham (21*) and Kyle Verreynne (7*) calmly scored the last six runs needed for victory, guiding South Africa to 285/5 and to their historic win.
Aiden Markram has been named Player of the Match.
South Africa’s Scorecard – 2nd Innings
- Aiden Markram – 136 (207)
- Temba Bavuma – 66 (134)
- David Bedingham – 21* (49)
- Kyle Verreynne – 7* (13)
- Total – 285/5 in 83.4 overs
Australia’s Bowling Highlights
- Mitchell Starc – 3/69
- Pat Cummins – 1/59
- Josh Hazlewood – 1/58
Historic Victory After Years of Pain
For South Africa, this win is deeply emotional. They’ve come close many times in the past – 1992, 1999, 2015, and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Each time, their dreams were shattered in painful ways. But in 2025, against a strong Australian side and at the iconic Lord’s stadium, they rewrote history.
The last time South Africa won an ICC trophy was in 1998 in the ICC Knockout Trophy, now known as the Champions Trophy. Since then, despite having world-class players and great squads, they were branded as “chokers” for failing in crunch situations.
This win washes away decades of pain and gives the new generation of Proteas fans a moment to cherish forever.
What This Means for South African Cricket
- Ends a 27-year wait for an ICC title
- First-ever ICC World Test Championship win
- Big morale booster for the upcoming ICC events
- Re-establishes their strength in red-ball cricket
- Temba Bavuma becomes the first black African captain to win an ICC trophy
Where the Match Was Won
South Africa’s win was built on their bowling unit’s brilliance and Aiden Markram’s resilience with the bat. Rabada’s spells in both innings were game-changing, and Markram’s calmness in the chase gave South Africa the stability they needed under pressure.
WTC Final 2025 Score Summary
Australia 1st Innings: 212 (Steven Smith 66, Rabada 5/51)
South Africa 1st Innings: 138 (Bedingham 45, Cummins 6/28)
Australia 2nd Innings: 207 (Starc 58*, Rabada 4/59)
South Africa 2nd Innings: 285/5 (Markram 136, Starc 3/69)
Final Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets
South Africa’s ICC World Test Championship 2025 victory is not just a cricket result—it’s an emotional moment for a nation that has waited too long. They have finally broken their ICC curse and lifted the trophy with pride at Lord’s, defeating one of the strongest teams in world cricket. For the players, staff, and fans, this win will be remembered as a landmark moment in the country’s cricketing journey.
Also Read: New Boundary Catch Rule: ‘Bunny Hops’ Are Now Illegal in Cricket, MCC Says
FAQs
When did South Africa last win an ICC trophy before 2025?
In 1998, when they won the ICC Knockout Trophy in Bangladesh.
Who was the top performer for South Africa in the WTC Final 2025?
Aiden Markram, with a crucial 136 in the second innings.
Where was the WTC Final 2025 played?
At Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.
Who did South Africa defeat in the WTC Final 2025?
South Africa defeated Australia by 5 wickets.
Who was South Africa’s captain in the final?
Temba Bavuma led the team as captain.
