History was made at Lord’s as South Africa clinched their maiden World Test Championship 2025 title, defeating Australia by five wickets in a thrilling final. The Proteas ended a 27-year-long ICC trophy drought in emphatic fashion, led by a sensational innings from opener Aiden Markram, who scored a match-winning 136 in the fourth innings chase.
1st Innings: Australia Fight, Rabada Responds
South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first a bold decision that paid off early. Kagiso Rabada tore through the Australian batting lineup, taking 5 for 51 in 15.4 overs. Despite Rabada’s brilliance, Australia posted a competitive 212, thanks to Beau Webster’s 72 and Steve Smith’s 66.
In reply, Pat Cummins produced one of the best spells of his career, claiming 6 wickets for just 28 runs. South Africa struggled with the bat and were dismissed for 138, with Bedingham (45) and Bavuma (36) offering the only resistance. Australia gained a crucial 74-run lead heading into the second innings.
2nd Innings: Australia Stretch Lead, Proteas Set 282 to Win
Australia aimed to bat South Africa out of the match in their second innings. But again, they were pegged back by Rabada, who took 4 for 59. Only Mitchell Starc (58)* and Alex Carey (43) managed to make meaningful contributions, as Australia were bowled out for 207.
That set a target of 282 for South Africa to chase down and win the World Test Championship 2025.
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Markram’s Redemption & Bavuma’s Leadership Steal the Show
South Africa’s response was steely. Aiden Markram, who had a duck in the first innings, delivered a performance of a lifetime. His 136 off 207 balls was not only technically superb but mentally resilient. He anchored the innings, forming a crucial partnership with captain Temba Bavuma, who stood tall with 66 not out off 134 balls.
Markram was dismissed with just 6 runs needed for victory, but his job was already done. South Africa cruised to 282 for 5, sealing a 5-wicket win and lifting their first-ever WTC title.
A Historic Moment for South African Cricket – World Test Championship 2025
This victory marks South Africa’s first ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy and puts to rest decades of heartbreak in tournament knockouts. Captain Temba Bavuma remains unbeaten as a Test skipper and now etches his name in South African cricket folklore.
Match Summary – WTC Final 2025
| Innings | Australia | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 212 (Webster 72, Smith 66) | 138 (Bedingham 45, Bavuma 36) |
| 2nd Innings | 207 (Starc 58*, Carey 43) | 282/5 (Markram 136, Bavuma 66*) |
Key Bowling Performances:
- Rabada: 5-51 & 4-59
- Cummins: 6-28
- Starc: 3-66
South Africa won by 5 wickets and become the World Test Championship 2025 winners, scripting a fairytale finish at the Home of Cricket. Aiden Markram was awarded the player of the Ultimate Test Match.
