South Africa Crowned World Test Champions 2025: Proteas Break the ICC Trophy Jinx at Lord’s
London, UK – June 14, 2025 – In a monumental triumph that will be etched in the annals of South African cricket history, the Proteas have clinched the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, defeating reigning champions Australia in a gripping encounter at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. This victory marks a watershed moment for South Africa, ending their long and often painful wait for a major ICC trophy, a drought that stretched for 27 years.
The final, a captivating display of Test cricket’s enduring appeal, saw South Africa chase down a challenging target of 282 runs on the fourth day, ultimately securing a five-wicket victory. While the match was poised for a tense finish, the composure and brilliance of South Africa’s top order, particularly Aiden Markram and captain Temba Bavuma, proved decisive.
Day-by-Day Thrills: The Journey to Glory
The match was a rollercoaster of fortunes, with momentum swinging back and forth across the four days:
- Day 1 & 2: Bowlers Dominate Early: The first two days were a testament to the prowess of both bowling attacks, with a staggering 14 wickets falling on each day. Australia, opting to bat first after winning the toss, were bowled out for 212 in their first innings, thanks to a superb five-wicket haul from South Africa’s pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada (5/51). In response, South Africa struggled, managing only 138, with Pat Cummins leading the Australian charge with an exceptional 6/28, his best Test figures as captain. This left Australia with a healthy first-innings lead of 74 runs.
- Day 3: Starc’s Resilience and Proteas’ Fightback: Starting Day 3 at 144/8, Australia’s tailenders, particularly Mitchell Starc (58 not out off 136 balls) and Josh Hazlewood (17), frustrated the South African attack. Their crucial 59-run partnership for the tenth wicket propelled Australia to 207 in their second innings, setting South Africa a challenging target of 282. This was the highest successful run chase at Lord’s since England’s 282/3 against New Zealand in 2004. The Proteas’ chase began with a setback as Mitchell Starc removed Ryan Rickelton early. However, the turning point came with the magnificent partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. Markram, after a duck in the first innings, displayed incredible resilience and class, notching up a magnificent century (102* at stumps on Day 3, eventually 136). He became the first South African and only the third player overall to score a century in a WTC Final. Captain Bavuma, despite battling a hamstring injury, provided crucial support with a gritty half-century (65* at stumps, eventually 66). Their unbroken 143-run stand for the third wicket on Day 3 put South Africa firmly in the driver’s seat, needing just 69 runs for victory with eight wickets in hand at stumps.
- Day 4: The Final Push: Resuming on 213/2, the Proteas faced early nerves as Pat Cummins broke the Markram-Bavuma partnership by dismissing Bavuma. Soon after, Mitchell Starc removed Tristan Stubbs, causing a brief wobble. However, David Bedingham (21*) and the cool-headed Kyle Verreynne (2*) ensured there were no further hiccups. Markram’s heroic innings, though ending shortly before the winning runs, had set the stage perfectly. South Africa steadily chipped away at the remaining target, crossing the finish line with five wickets in hand.
Key Performances and Records
- Aiden Markram (South Africa): Unquestionably the hero of the final with his match-winning century in the second innings. His innings of 136 (207 balls, 13 fours) in a pressure cooker situation was instrumental in South Africa’s victory. He also picked up a crucial wicket in Australia’s second innings (1/5 in 2 overs).
- Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): The pace sensation was outstanding, picking up nine wickets in the match, including a crucial five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings (5/51) and four wickets in the second innings (4/59). He became the first South African to take a five-wicket haul in a WTC final.
- Mitchell Starc (Australia): Despite the loss, Starc’s all-round performance was commendable. He scored a fighting 58* with the bat in the second innings and took four wickets in the match (2/41 in 1st innings, 2/53 in 2nd innings).
- Pat Cummins (Australia): The Australian captain led from the front with the ball, picking up a six-wicket haul (6/28) in South Africa’s first innings. He also took his 300th Test wicket in the process.
While the official “Player of the Match” and “Player of the Series” awards are yet to be announced by the ICC, Aiden Markram’s century in the chase undoubtedly makes him a prime contender for the Player of the Match award in the WTC Final. For the Player of the Series, considering the entire WTC cycle, a strong case could be made for Kagiso Rabada, given his consistent wicket-taking ability throughout the tournament and his match-defining performance in the final.
Breaking the “Chokers” Tag
This victory holds immense significance for South African cricket. For decades, the Proteas have battled the unenviable “chokers” tag in ICC tournaments, often faltering at crucial junctures despite possessing immense talent. This WTC title, a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and mental fortitude under pressure, unequivocally breaks that narrative. Captain Temba Bavuma’s leadership, his brave batting despite injury, and his team’s collective fight embody a new, defiant spirit within South African cricket.
The 2025 World Test Championship Final will be remembered not just for the thrilling cricket played, but for the profound impact it will have on the psyche of South African cricket, finally delivering the major ICC trophy that their passionate fans have long yearned for.
Match Scorecard: ICC World Test Championship Final 2025
Lord’s, London
Match Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets.
Toss: South Africa won the toss and elected to field.
Australia 1st Innings: 212 all out (56.4 overs)
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usman Khawaja | c Bedingham b Rabada | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | c Verreynne b Jansen | 17 | 56 | 1 | 0 | 30.36 |
| Cameron Green | c Markram b Rabada | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 133.33 |
| Steve Smith | c Jansen b Markram | 66 | 112 | 10 | 0 | 58.93 |
| Travis Head | c Verreynne b Jansen | 11 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 84.62 |
| Beau Webster | c Bedingham b Rabada | 72 | 92 | 11 | 0 | 78.26 |
| Alex Carey (wk) | b Maharaj | 23 | 31 | 4 | 0 | 74.19 |
| Pat Cummins (c) | b Rabada | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16.67 |
| Mitchell Starc | b Rabada | 1 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 8.33 |
| Nathan Lyon | b Jansen | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Josh Hazlewood | not out | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | (lb 7, nb 10) | 17 | ||||
| Total | 212 all out |
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Fall of Wickets: 1-12 (Khawaja, 6.3 ov), 2-16 (Green, 7.0 ov), 3-46 (Labuschagne, 18.0 ov), 4-67 (Head, 23.2 ov), 5-146 (Smith, 41.6 ov), 6-192 (Carey, 51.1 ov), 7-199 (Cummins, 52.4 ov), 8-210 (Webster, 54.4 ov), 9-211 (Lyon, 55.5 ov), 10-212 (Starc, 56.4 ov)
South Africa 1st Innings Bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kagiso Rabada | 15.4 | 5 | 51 | 5 | 3.25 |
| Marco Jansen | 14 | 5 | 49 | 3 | 3.50 |
| Lungi Ngidi | 8 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 5.62 |
| Wiaan Mulder | 11 | 3 | 36 | 0 | 3.27 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 6 | 0 | 19 | 1 | 3.16 |
| Aiden Markram | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 2.50 |
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South Africa 1st Innings: 138 all out (57.1 overs)
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | b Starc | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Ryan Rickelton | c Carey b Starc | 16 | 23 | 3 | 0 | 69.57 |
| Wiaan Mulder | b Cummins | 6 | 44 | 0 | 0 | 13.64 |
| Temba Bavuma (c) | c Labuschagne b Cummins | 36 | 84 | 4 | 1 | 42.86 |
| Tristan Stubbs | b Hazlewood | 2 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 15.38 |
| David Bedingham | c Carey b Cummins | 45 | 111 | 6 | 0 | 40.54 |
| Kyle Verreynne (wk) | lbw b Cummins | 13 | 39 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Marco Jansen | c & b Cummins | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Keshav Maharaj | run out (Head/Carey) | 7 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 46.67 |
| Kagiso Rabada | c Webster b Cummins | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16.67 |
| Lungi Ngidi | not out | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | (lb 10, nb 2) | 12 | ||||
| Total | 138 all out |
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Fall of Wickets: 1-0 (Markram, 0.6 ov), 2-19 (Rickelton, 8.4 ov), 3-25 (Mulder, 15.2 ov), 4-30 (Stubbs, 20.2 ov), 5-94 (Bavuma, 39.2 ov), 6-126 (Verreynne, 51.3 ov), 7-126 (Jansen, 51.6 ov), 8-135 (Bedingham, 55.2 ov), 9-138 (Maharaj, 56.5 ov), 10-138 (Rabada, 57.1 ov)
Australia 1st Innings Bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | 13 | 3 | 41 | 2 | 3.15 |
| Josh Hazlewood | 15 | 5 | 27 | 1 | 1.80 |
| Pat Cummins | 18.1 | 6 | 28 | 6 | 1.54 |
| Nathan Lyon | 8 | 3 | 12 | 0 | 1.50 |
| Beau Webster | 3 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 6.67 |
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Australia 2nd Innings: 207 all out (65.0 overs)
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usman Khawaja | c Verreynne b Rabada | 6 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 26.09 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | c Verreynne b Jansen | 22 | 64 | 2 | 0 | 34.38 |
| Cameron Green | c Mulder b Rabada | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Steve Smith | lbw b Ngidi | 13 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 52.00 |
| Travis Head | b Mulder | 9 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Beau Webster | lbw b Ngidi | 9 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 81.82 |
| Alex Carey (wk) | lbw b Rabada | 43 | 50 | 5 | 0 | 86.00 |
| Pat Cummins (c) | b Ngidi | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 120.00 |
| Mitchell Starc | not out | 58 | 136 | 5 | 0 | 42.65 |
| Nathan Lyon | b Jansen | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Josh Hazlewood | b Rabada | 17 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 58.62 |
| Extras | (b 0, lb 3, w 0, nb 0, p 0) | 3 | ||||
| Total | 207 all out |
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Fall of Wickets: 1-12 (Khawaja, 6.3 ov), 2-16 (Green, 7.0 ov), 3-46 (Labuschagne, 18.0 ov), 4-67 (Head, 23.2 ov), 5-146 (Smith, 41.6 ov), 6-192 (Carey, 51.1 ov), 7-199 (Cummins, 52.4 ov), 8-200 (Webster, 54.4 ov), 9-200 (Lyon, 55.5 ov), 10-207 (Hazlewood, 65.0 ov)
South Africa 2nd Innings Bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kagiso Rabada | 20 | 5 | 59 | 4 | 2.95 |
| Marco Jansen | 16 | 4 | 52 | 2 | 3.25 |
| Lungi Ngidi | 11 | 1 | 42 | 3 | 3.82 |
| Wiaan Mulder | 10 | 2 | 35 | 1 | 3.50 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 8 | 1 | 16 | 0 | 2.00 |
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South Africa 2nd Innings: 282/5 (83.1 overs)
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | c Head b Hazlewood | 136 | 207 | 13 | 0 | 65.70 |
| Ryan Rickelton | c Carey b Starc | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 112.50 |
| Wiaan Mulder | b Starc | 27 | 50 | 5 | 0 | 54.00 |
| Temba Bavuma (c) | c Carey b Cummins | 66 | 121 | 5 | 0 | 54.55 |
| Tristan Stubbs | b Starc | 8 | 43 | 0 | 0 | 18.60 |
| David Bedingham | not out | 21 | 49 | 1 | 0 | 42.86 |
| Kyle Verreynne (wk) | not out | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28.57 |
| Extras | (lb 13) | 13 | ||||
| Total | 282/5 |
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Did not bat: Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Fall of Wickets: 1-9 (Rickelton, 2.1 ov), 2-70 (Mulder, 17.4 ov), 3-217 (Bavuma, 58.6 ov), 4-241 (Stubbs, 70.3 ov), 5-276 (Markram, 81.1 ov)
Australia 2nd Innings Bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | 14 | 0 | 65 | 3 | 4.64 |
| Josh Hazlewood | 19.1 | 1 | 57 | 1 | 2.98 |
| Pat Cummins | 17 | 0 | 52 | 1 | 3.06 |
| Nathan Lyon | 24 | 4 | 66 | 0 | 2.75 |
| Beau Webster | 6 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 3.33 |
| Travis Head | 3 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 3.00 |