WTC Final 2025: South Africa Beat Australia To Lift ICC Trophy After 27 Years. South Africa scripted one of the most emotional and remarkable chapters in their cricketing history as they clinched the ICC World Test Championship 2025 title, defeating Australia by five wickets on Day 4 at Lord’s. South Africa chased a challenging target of 282 with a stunning batting display featuring Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 136 and captain Temba Bavuma’s 66 to end their wait for an ICC global title in 27 years.
This win is South Africa’s first ICC trophy since winning the 1998 KnockOut Trophy (now Champions Trophy) under extreme pressure against one of the greatest teams of modern Test cricket. Markram was Player of the Match and played with poise and elegance from the start of his innings. He displayed enormous maturity and control in his hundred on a big day.
Markram’s Masterclass and Bavuma’s Grit Seal Historic Chase in WTC Final 2025
Beginning the day at 213/2 and needing 69 runs for victory, South Africa felt the weight of the occasion and the pressure of a final as they began their day. Pat Cummins dismissed Bavuma, who had carried a hamstring strain throughout. However, Markram was calm and composed, and with David Bedingham (21*). Markram and Bedingham calmly and patiently formed an unbroken partnership for the remaining runs to finish the match at 282/5 during the afternoon session.
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Bavuma, leading through adversity, has now become the first Black South African captain to earn an ICC title. His leadership and resiliency, especially when he batted through injury, added yet another inspiring layer to the victory.
While Australia had dominated the first half of the Test match, leading by 89 runs in the first innings, they had been thrashed in the second half. Cummins, who had taken 5 wickets in South Africa’s first innings, had put his side in control, to the disappointment of the batters who failed to take advantage. Kagiso Rabada, who was previously recognized for his brilliance with the ball, had made history by becoming only the second player to make both the home and away dressing room honors boards at Lord’s.
