In a thrilling finale at Lord’s, South Africa broke a 27-year drought by clinching their first major ICC title, defeating reigning champions Australia by five wickets in the 2025 World Test Championship final.
The Proteas showcased resilience and determination on the fourth day to chase down a tricky 282-run target in the fourth innings — a feat that tested their nerves and skills under pressure.
Rabada and Jansen Set the Tone
Opting to bowl first, South Africa’s pace attack tore through the Australian batting lineup. Kagiso Rabada led the charge with a fiery spell, claiming 5 for 51, while Marco Jansen supported well with 3 for 49. Despite resistance from Steve Smith (66) and Beu Webster (72), Australia were restricted to 212 in their first innings.
South Africa’s response with the bat was underwhelming, however, as Pat Cummins delivered a sensational performance, grabbing 6 wickets for just 28 runs. Temba Bavuma (36) and David Bedingham (45) showed some fight, but South Africa managed only 138, giving Australia a 74-run lead.
This Time For Africa Got Real Today, After 27 Years South Africa Made History At Lord's, Congratulations SA for World Test Champions🔥 #ProteasWTCFinal #WtcFinal2025 #AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/AdTazARmrw
— A D V A I T H (@advaithspeaks) June 14, 2025
🚨Only South Africa Fans Are Allowed To Like This Tweet.❤❤❤
Congratulations South Africa🔥❤🤟🏻
Bavuma ne silencer ko hi silent kar diya 🤫🤫🤫#WtcFinal2025 #ICCWTC2025Final #AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/VRlLdoeq4a
— 🧢1⃣0⃣ (@CapXSid) June 14, 2025
Congratulate south africa wtc
2025!!💐💐💐
Best wishes
New world test champions is here!!#WtcFinal2025 #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/ppGZqfBlCj— Manisha Prajapati (@Manishagola123) June 14, 2025
Congratulations to the Proteas the ICC Test Champions . We are proud of Captain Themba Bavuma for leading from the front.
A victory for you and for the nation.
#WtcFinal2025 pic.twitter.com/V18YPQKhcU— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 14, 2025
Australia Falter Against Relentless South African Attack
In their second outing, Australia found it tough once again against South Africa’s disciplined bowling. Rabada continued his dominance, taking 4 more wickets for 59, while Lungi Ngidi added 3 for 38.
Australia slumped to 148 for 9 before Mitchell Starc (58) and Josh Hazlewood stitched a vital 59-run partnership to take the score to 207. This set South Africa a challenging 282-run target — a daunting chase on the fourth-day pitch at Lord’s.
Markram’s Century Seals the Victory
The chase didn’t begin smoothly for the Proteas. Ryan Rickelton was dismissed early by Starc, followed by Wiaan Mulder who departed for 27. At 70 for 2, the match hung in the balance. Aiden Markram and captain Temba Bavuma then produced a match-turning 144-run partnership.
Even after Bavuma fell to Cummins early on Day 4 for 66, and Tristan Stubbs departed soon after, Markram’s composure and brilliant stroke play guided South Africa closer to victory. Bedingham supported well towards the end as South Africa reached 283, winning the final by 5 wickets. Markram’s heroic 136 turned out to be the knock of his life, delivering South Africa a long-awaited global triumph.
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