South Africa clinched their first WTC title in 2025, defeating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s. Aiden Markram’s century sealed the historic win. Read more!
On June 14, 2025, South Africa etched their name in cricket history by defeating Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s. Chasing 282, Aiden Markram’s scintillating 136 guided the Proteas to a five-wicket victory, ending a 27-year ICC trophy drought since 1998. This gripping clash, marked by emotional tributes to the Air India crash victims, captivated fans globally.
Historic WTC Final at Lord’s
The WTC 2025 Final, held from June 11 to 14 at Lord’s, saw South Africa face defending champions Australia. South Africa, opting to bowl first, restricted Australia to 212, thanks to Kagiso Rabada’s 5-51. Despite a modest 138 in their first innings, the Proteas fought back, with Rabada claiming 4-59 in Australia’s second innings of 207, setting a target of 282.
The match showcased Test cricket’s intensity, with 28 wickets falling across the first two days.
Aiden Markram’s Match-Winning Century
Aiden Markram’s 136, supported by Temba Bavuma’s gritty 66, powered South Africa to 282/5. Their 143-run partnership on Day 3 tilted the game decisively. Markram, named Player of the Match, fell just six runs short of victory, but his knock ended South Africa’s history of ICC heartbreaks. Bavuma, battling a hamstring injury, inspired with his resilience.
Markram’s century trended in social media, with fans hailing it as a “game-changer.”
Pat Cummins’ Heroics in Vain
Australian captain Pat Cummins delivered a stellar 6-28 in South Africa’s first innings, securing a 74-run lead. His 300th Test wicket, dismissing Rabada, was a highlight. Mitchell Starc’s 58 and 3-66 kept Australia in the fight, but their second-innings collapse from 73/7 to 207 proved costly. Steve Smith’s finger injury further hampered Australia.
Cummins admitted post-match, “It’s a bruising experience.”
Emotional Tribute to Air India Crash
Both teams observed a minute’s silence and wore black armbands on Day 3 to honor the 241 victims of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. This gesture, reflecting solidarity with India, added emotional weight to the contest, resonating with fans worldwide.
The tribute underscored cricket’s role in uniting communities during tragedy.
Why This Victory Matters
South Africa’s triumph, their first major ICC title since 1998, silenced critics questioning their WTC final berth. The victory, celebrated widely on social media, boosted Test cricket’s appeal beyond the “Big Three” (India, Australia, England). It also highlighted South Africa’s recent successes across formats, following their women’s and U-19 teams’ wins.
The win sparked debates about Test cricket’s global future.
Looking Ahead
South Africa’s WTC triumph sets the stage for the 2025-27 cycle, kicking off with India vs England on June 20. Will the Proteas sustain their momentum? Can Australia regroup after this loss? Lord’s may host future WTC finals until 2031, ensuring more epic battles.
Summary: South Africa’s five-wicket win over Australia in the WTC 2025 Final at Lord’s, powered by Markram’s 136, ended a 27-year ICC trophy wait. Emotional tributes and stellar performances defined this historic clash, cementing the Proteas’ legacy.
Keywords: South Africa vs Australia 2025, WTC Final 2025, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins, Lord’s, Test cricket, ICC trophy, Air India tribute.
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