The ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 concluded with a historic milestone on June 14, 2025, as South Africa claimed their first-ever WTC title with a nail-biting 5-wicket victory over Australia at Lord’s, London. Chasing a challenging 282, South Africa showcased resilience and determination, with Aiden Markram’s masterful 136 leading the Proteas to end a 27-year ICC trophy drought. This article dives into the match highlights, key performances, and more, celebrating South Africa’s epic triumph in the WTC 2025 final.
Match Recap: South Africa’s Road to WTC Glory
The WTC Final 2025 was a rollercoaster of emotions, played across four gripping days at Lord’s. Australia set the tone with a first-innings total of 212, driven by Steven Smith’s 66 and Beau Webster’s 72, though Kagiso Rabada (5 wickets) and Marco Jansen (3 wickets) dismantled their lower order. South Africa struggled in response, collapsing to 138 all out, with Pat Cummins’s 6 wickets proving decisive, supported by Mitchell Starc’s 3 wickets.
Australia’s second innings yielded 207, with Mitchell Starc’s unbeaten 58 and Alex Carey’s 43 offering resistance, but Lungi Ngidi (3/38) and Rabada (4/59) kept South Africa in the hunt. Set a target of 282, South Africa’s second innings saw Markram anchor the chase with 136, supported by Temba Bavuma’s 66 and David Bedingham’s unbeaten 21, securing victory at 282/5 in 83.4 overs. This win marked South Africa’s first ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy, ending a long wait for Test cricket glory.
Key Performances: Heroes of the WTC Final 2025
- Aiden Markram (136 off 207): The standout performer, Markram’s patient yet aggressive knock earned him Player of the Match. His 140-ball century steadied South Africa after early wickets.
- Kagiso Rabada (5/51 & 4/59): Rabada’s 10 wickets in the match, including crucial dismissals of Smith and Starc, were instrumental in keeping Australia in check.
- Temba Bavuma (66 off 134): The captain’s gritty half-century in the chase provided stability, forming a 127-run partnership with Markram.
- Pat Cummins (6/86): Australia’s captain fought hard, but his efforts couldn’t prevent South Africa’s comeback.
- Mitchell Starc (4/12 & 3/66): Starc’s bowling brilliance in South Africa’s first innings kept Australia in the game.
South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Rabada and Jansen, combined with Markram’s batting masterclass, turned the tide in a match that swung both ways.
Detailed Scorecard Highlights
Australia 1st Innings: 212 (56.4 Overs)
- Top Scorer: Beau Webster (72 off 92)
- Best Bowler: Kagiso Rabada (5/51)
South Africa 1st Innings: 138 (57.1 Overs)
- Top Scorer: David Bedingham (45 off 116)
- Best Bowler: Pat Cummins (6/86)
Australia 2nd Innings: 207 (65 Overs)
- Top Scorer: Mitchell Starc (58 off 136)
- Best Bowler: Kagiso Rabada (4/59)
South Africa 2nd Innings: 282/5 (83.4 Overs)
- Top Scorer: Aiden Markram (136 off 207)
- Best Bowler: Mitchell Starc (3/66)
- Fall of Wickets: 9-1 (Rickelton), 70-2 (Mulder), 217-3 (Bavuma), 241-4 (Stubbs), 276-5 (Markram)
Why This Win Matters for South Africa
South Africa’s victory ends a 27-year ICC title drought, marking their first WTC crown since the competition’s inception in 2019-21. For Australia, this defeat ends their reign as WTC champions (2023-25). Though their fight of 207 in the second innings showed their resilience.
How to Relive the WTC Final 2025
- Highlights: Available on ICC.TV, JioHotstar, and Star Sports Network.
- Live Scores & Commentary: Check ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz for detailed updates.
- Social Buzz: Follow #WTCFinal2025, #SouthAfricaChampions, and #Markram136 on X for fan reactions.
Conclusion
South Africa’s 5-wicket win in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 on June 14, 2025, at Lord’s is a historic achievement, with Aiden Markram’s 136 and Kagiso Rabada’s 10 wickets stealing the show. This triumph over Australia not only ends a 27-year wait but also cements South Africa’s legacy in Test cricket. Relive the drama with our match analysis and share your favorite moment from this epic final in the comments below. Will the Proteas dominate the next WTC cycle? Let’s hear your predictions!
The next WTC cycle starts with the India vs England test series starts on 20th June, read more