South Africa scripted history at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, clinching the ICC World Test Championship 2025 with a nail-biting five-wicket victory over Australia. It was a monumental moment as the Proteas claimed their first-ever WTC title, ending a 27-year wait for an ICC trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
Powered by Aiden Markram's masterful 136, South Africa chased down the 282-run target on Day Four in a match that ebbed and flowed with high intensity and drama.
Markram's Masterclass and a Moment of Glory
Resuming the day at 213/2, needing 69 more runs to complete the job, South Africa faced immediate resistance. Australian skipper Pat Cummins struck early, removing Temba Bavuma for 66, followed by Mitchell Starc cleaning up Tristan Stubbs to raise hopes for the Aussies.
The newest member on the Honours Board. pic.twitter.com/ZZlpUNOcgp
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) June 13, 2025
But Markram remained the pillar of calm and composure. Alongside David Bedingham, he navigated a tense passage of play, edging the Proteas closer to glory. Markram’s sublime innings finally came to an end just six runs short of the finish line when he was caught by Travis Head off Hazlewood, triggering a momentary hush across the South African camp.
Enter Kyle Verreynne, who kept his nerves intact and, in partnership with Bedingham, sealed the final moments in style. Verreynne struck the winning runs off Starc through the off-side, setting off jubilant celebrations among the South African players and their passionate fans in the stands.
Rabada and Jansen Dominate With the Ball
South Africa’s win was built on the back of their bowlers’ brilliance. Kagiso Rabada was the star, claiming nine wickets across both innings (5/51 & 4/59), supported ably by Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi, who chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
Australia, despite a fighting half-century from Mitchell Starc (58)* in the second innings and Steve Smith’s 66 in the first, couldn't muster enough to resist the Proteas’ surge.
A New Chapter in South African Cricket
This win not only ends a long ICC title drought for South Africa but also cements the legacy of this generation of players. The emotions on display at the “Home of Cricket” reflected the weight of history lifted from the shoulders of an entire cricketing nation.
An enthralling contest. A phenomenal triumph. A fitting finale to the Ultimate Test 🏏🔥
🇿🇦 The Proteas chased down 282 to seal a 5-wicket victory over Australia at Lord’s and were crowned ICC World Test Champions 🏆🙌.#WTCFinal #WozaNawe #ProteasWTCFinal pic.twitter.com/zfAJBVS6Zz
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 14, 2025
The triumph will surely be etched into South Africa's cricketing folklore — a moment fans will cherish for decades.
🏏 Score Summary – WTC Final 2025 at Lord's
Australia:
212 all out (Beau Webster 72, Steve Smith 66; Rabada 5/51, Jansen 3/49)
207 all out (Starc 58*, Carey 43; Rabada 4/59, Ngidi 3/38)
South Africa:
138 all out (Bedingham 45, Bavuma 36; Cummins 6/28)
282/5 (Markram 136, Bavuma 66; Starc 3/66)
Result: 🇿🇦 South Africa won by 5 wickets
