In a defining moment for South African cricket, the national team lifted their first-ever ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title by defeating Australia in a tense, four-day final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. This monumental win ended South Africa’s 27-year wait for an ICC trophy—the last being the inaugural ICC KnockOut Trophy (now the Champions Trophy) in 1998.
The Proteas triumphed by five wickets, chasing down a tough target of 282 runs on a pitch offering consistent seam movement. Their victory was built on the back of Aiden Markram’s brilliant century and a gritty, high-pressure partnership with skipper Temba Bavuma, who battled through injury to deliver a captain’s knock when his team needed it most.
South Africa’s Long Wait for Glory Ends in Style
The victory at Lord’s marks a turning point in South Africa’s international cricket journey. Often branded as “chokers” in major tournaments due to past heartbreaks, the team rewrote history with a composed and clinical performance against one of the sport’s most dominant sides.
South Africa’s last ICC trophy came in 1998, when they won the ICC KnockOut Trophy (which later became the Champions Trophy) under Hansie Cronje’s captaincy. Since then, the nation has endured painful semi-final exits and missed opportunities at World Cups and ICC tournaments. This WTC win, therefore, carries significant emotional and historical weight for players, fans, and the country.
Day 3: Turning the Tide with a Game-Changing Stand
Strong Recovery After Early Wobble
Chasing a tricky 282 in the fourth innings—always a daunting task in Test cricket—South Africa got off to a nervous start. Opener Ryan Rickelton fell early for just 6 runs to Josh Hazlewood, raising alarm bells among fans, as memories of previous collapses loomed.
But Aiden Markram and No. 3 batter Wiaan Mulder stood firm against the new ball. They focused on seeing off the initial swing and seam threat posed by Australia’s fast-bowling trio of Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood. Their cautious yet purposeful approach helped stabilize the innings and chip away at the target.
Just when the duo began to look comfortable, Australia broke through again. Mulder was dismissed for 27, caught at cover off a sharp delivery from Mitchell Starc, late in the third day. That brought Captain Temba Bavuma to the crease—a moment that would soon become the turning point of the match.
The Markram–Bavuma Partnership: The Backbone of the Victory
What followed was a partnership that could be etched in the annals of South African Test cricket.
Markram and Bavuma put on a 157-run stand for the third wicket, defying hostile bowling, physical pain, and the psychological pressure of a final. Markram played with impeccable judgment and calm, reaching his century off 174 balls with nine boundaries. It was a classy mix of defense and controlled aggression.
At the other end, Bavuma showed grit and resilience. Despite carrying a hamstring injury that limited his mobility and stroke play, he battled hard, rotating the strike and offering solid support. His 66-run knock might not be flamboyant, but it was immensely valuable—showcasing the maturity and leadership South African fans have long hoped for in high-pressure games.
The duo ended Day 3 unbeaten on 212/2, with just 70 more runs needed and eight wickets in hand, putting South Africa in a commanding position heading into Day 4.
Day 4 Morning: Nervy Start But Calm Finish
The final day began with tension in the air as Australia looked for early breakthroughs to turn the tide.
They started well—Pat Cummins removed Bavuma early in the session with a perfect delivery that took the edge and was safely pouched behind the stumps. Not long after, Tristan Stubbs was bowled by Starc for a single-digit score, and suddenly, the match was wide open again.
Still, Markram remained calm, shouldering the responsibility with poise. He passed 130, guiding South Africa within touching distance of the target. Just when it seemed like he would finish the match himself, he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 137—a soft dismissal that momentarily rattled the dressing room.
But wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne stepped up confidently, smashing a boundary to seal the deal in style, with South Africa finishing on 282/5 and lifting their maiden WTC crown.
Match Summary and Tactical Highlights
Final Scorecard
Australia:
-
1st Innings: 212
-
2nd Innings: 207
South Africa:
-
1st Innings: 138
-
2nd Innings: 282/5
Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Aiden Markram (137 in 4th innings)
Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Match Duration: 4 days (Final of ICC World Test Championship 2023–25)
Standout Performers
| Player | Performance Summary |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | 137 (207 balls), held chase together under pressure |
| Temba Bavuma | 66 with hamstring strain; key 157-run stand |
| Mitchell Starc | 3 wickets across innings, including key scalps |
| Kagiso Rabada | 4/59 in the first innings, crucial early strikes |
| David Bedingham | Top-scored with 45 in 1st innings under collapse |
What This Win Means for South African Cricket
This triumph isn’t just about winning a match—it represents a shift in mindset and narrative for South African cricket. It reasserts their status as a world-class Test side and proves they can finish on top in ICC tournaments. Captain Bavuma, now the first Black African skipper to lift an ICC title, has etched his name into history.
The win also validates the South African team’s rebuilding strategy, blending youth (like Bedingham and Stubbs) with experience (Markram, Rabada, Maharaj), under the guidance of head coach Shukri Conrad.
Prize Money and Recognition
South Africa took home $3.6 million USD as champions of the 2023–25 WTC cycle, while runners-up Australia received $1.6 million. The win will likely spark widespread celebration in South Africa, with players expected to be honored by the government and sporting authorities.
Next Steps: A New Era Begins
With this historic win, South Africa now shifts focus to the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the next Test series against India. The confidence gained from this title could transform the team’s future across formats.
The Proteas will carry not only a trophy but a renewed belief that the era of underachievement is over—and that they are capable of dominating on the world stage.
The information is collected from ESPNcricinfo and Yahoo.
