South Africa’s historic victory in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against Australia at Lord’s has silenced decades of criticism, shedding the “chokers” label and marking a defining moment in cricket history. Aiden Markram’s heroic century, Temba Bavuma’s gritty leadership, and Kagiso Rabada’s bowling brilliance secured the Proteas’ first WTC title, ending a 27-year ICC trophy drought.
A Historic Triumph at Lord’s
On June 14, 2025, South Africa etched their name in cricketing folklore by defeating Australia by five wickets in the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s, London. Chasing a daunting 282, the Proteas, led by Aiden Markram’s masterful 136 and captain Temba Bavuma’s resilient 66, overcame a formidable Australian attack to clinch their maiden WTC title. This victory, celebrated with green pyrotechnics and emotional scenes, marked South Africa’s second ICC trophy since the 1998 ICC Knockout, ending a long-standing narrative of faltering in high-stakes matches.
Key Moments of the WTC Final
- Day 1: Bowlers Set the Tone
South Africa’s decision to bowl first under overcast conditions paid dividends as Kagiso Rabada’s sensational 5-51, supported by Marco Jansen’s three wickets, bowled Australia out for 212. Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) offered resistance, but the Proteas’ pace attack dominated. However, Australia’s bowlers, led by Pat Cummins (6-28), struck back, reducing South Africa to 43/4 by stumps. - Day 2: Cummins Shines, Proteas Falter
Australia gained a 74-run first-innings lead after dismissing South Africa for 138, with Cummins claiming his 300th Test wicket. The Proteas fought back with Rabada (3-44) and Lungi Ngidi (3-35) reducing Australia to 73/7, but a 61-run stand by Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc set a challenging 282-run target. - Day 3: Markram and Bavuma Turn the Tide
Aiden Markram’s century (102*) and Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 65 guided South Africa to 213/2, needing just 69 runs for victory. Their 150-run partnership shifted momentum, silencing whispers of past collapses. - Day 4: History Made
Despite early nerves with Bavuma’s dismissal and Markram’s departure six runs short of the target, Kyle Verreynne’s composed boundary sealed the chase at 12:45 PM. The Lord’s stands erupted as South Africa lifted the ICC Test mace, a moment of catharsis for players and fans alike.
Shedding the “Chokers” Tag
For decades, South Africa’s cricket team has been haunted by the “chokers” label, stemming from heartbreaking losses in ICC events:
- 1992 World Cup: A rain-affected semi-final left them needing 22 runs off one ball.
- 1999 World Cup: A catastrophic run-out involving Allan Donald resulted in a tied semi-final.
- 2003 World Cup: A DLS miscalculation led to a tie and elimination on home soil.
- 2024 T20 World Cup: A seven-run loss to India in the final.
These moments fueled a narrative of underachievement despite South Africa’s talent, boasting legends like Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, and AB de Villiers. The 2025 WTC final victory, however, rewrote this narrative. As Temba Bavuma lifted the mace, he declared, “We planned for it, prepped for it, and put in the work. This is for South Africa.”
Standout Performances
- Aiden Markram (Player of the Match): His 136 in the fourth innings, described as “one of the greatest innings” by teammate Ryan Rickelton, anchored the chase. Markram’s composure under pressure erased memories of his T20 World Cup final disappointment.
- Temba Bavuma: Battling injury, the captain’s 66 was a testament to his grit. His decision to continue batting despite coaching advice proved pivotal.
- Kagiso Rabada: With 9 wickets (5-51 and 4-59), Rabada became the first South African to take a five-wicket haul in a WTC final, earning global respect.
- Kyle Verreynne: His match-winning boundary and calm presence ensured no late collapse.
Australia’s Fight and Reflection
Australia, the defending champions, fought valiantly. Pat Cummins’ 6-28 and Mitchell Starc’s 3-66 were highlights, but their batting frailties, particularly in the second innings (207), cost them. Cummins reflected, “We had a huge opportunity, but South Africa were too good.” The loss marked only their third defeat in 24 Tests at Lord’s since World War II.
A Nation’s Celebration
The victory sparked jubilation across South Africa, with fans and players emotional. Keshav Maharaj’s tears during post-match interviews and Graeme Smith’s pride underscored the win’s significance. Coach Shukri Conrad dedicated the triumph to the nation, saying, “This is for South Africa. Our two senior pros [Markram and Bavuma] stood tall.” The win, worth $3.6 million in prize money, also symbolized resilience for a country that has faced political and social challenges.
Conclusion
South Africa’s WTC 2025 triumph is more than a sporting achievement; it’s a redemption story. By conquering Australia at Lord’s, the Proteas have buried the ghosts of 1992, 1999, 2003, and 2024. Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Kagiso Rabada have not only won a title but also inspired a nation. As Bavuma said, “The sun is on us.” For South African cricket, the future shines bright.
Last Updated on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 4:05 am by K Nikhil | Published by: K Nikhil on Sunday, June 15, 2025 4:05 am | News Categories: Entertainment
About The Author
