South Africa Beat Australia in WTC Final 2025
South Africa created history at Lord’s by defeating Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, ending a 27-year wait for an ICC trophy.
Match Summary and Key Moments
Australia batted first and were dismissed for 212, with Steve Smith holding the innings together. Kagiso Rabada produced a fiery spell, claiming five wickets.
In reply, South Africa collapsed to just 138, as Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc ripped through their batting lineup.
Australia’s second innings also faltered, ending at 207 all out, leaving South Africa with a challenging target of 282.
Day-by-Day Highlights
- Day 1: Australia bowled out for 212; Rabada shines.
- Day 2: South Africa collapse to 138; Australia gain advantage.
- Day 3: Australia post 207; target set at 282.
- Day 4: Markram leads chase with a brilliant 136.
- Day 5: South Africa chase down 282 with five wickets to spare.
Aiden Markram’s Match-Winning Century
The turning point came from Aiden Markram, who scored a majestic 136 in the fourth innings. His partnership with captain Temba Bavuma (66) ensured South Africa remained in control.
Significance of South Africa’s Victory
Breaking the ICC Trophy Drought
This victory ended South Africa’s 27-year wait for an ICC title, their first since winning the 1998 Champions Trophy.
Australia’s Missed Opportunities
Despite having a world-class bowling attack, Australia’s batting collapses proved costly. Their inability to build a big lead ultimately opened the door for South Africa.
Key Highlights
South Africa made history at Lord’s by defeating Australia by five wickets in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, ending a 27-year wait for an ICC trophy. Australia batted first and managed 212 runs in their first innings, with Steve Smith and Tim David providing resistance. Kagiso Rabada led South Africa’s bowling attack with a fiery five-wicket haul.
In response, South Africa crumbled for just 138, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc dismantling their batting order. Australia built pressure again in the second innings, posting 207 runs, setting South Africa a daunting 282-run chase in the final innings.
The match took a decisive turn when Aiden Markram anchored South Africa’s innings with a brilliant 136, supported by captain Temba Bavuma’s fighting 66. The duo stabilized the chase after early wickets, ensuring momentum stayed with the Proteas.
On Day 4, South Africa required just 29 runs, which Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen knocked off confidently before lunch. The winning run sparked wild celebrations, as this marked not only South Africa’s first WTC title but also their first major ICC trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
Markram was named Player of the Match for his match-defining knock, while Bavuma’s leadership earned widespread praise. This victory redefined South Africa’s cricketing legacy, burying the long-held “chokers” tag that haunted them in global tournaments.
Australia, meanwhile, will reflect on missed chances and poor batting collapses that cost them dearly. Despite possessing a strong pace attack, their inability to build a commanding lead allowed South Africa to script a historic chase.
The result is also significant in the context of Test cricket’s future. The World Test Championship, while producing a thrilling final, faces criticism for its qualification format, with calls for a revamped points system to ensure fairness.
For South Africa, however, none of that matters today. They are world champions of Test cricket, and their triumph at Lord’s will forever remain a golden chapter in their sporting history.
Further Reading
- Explore the WTC match report and full scorecard on [ESPNcricinfo]
- Read our Sports category
