South African opener Aiden Markram has been awarded the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for June 2025 following his heroic performance in the World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s. The 30-year-old edged out teammate Kagiso Rabada and Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka to claim the prestigious monthly accolade.
Markram’s fourth-innings century (136) proved instrumental in South Africa’s historic chase of 282, securing their first senior ICC trophy in 27 years. His composed batting display featured crucial partnerships with Wiaan Mulder (47) and Temba Bavuma (39*), steadying the Proteas after early setbacks.
A memorable performance in the #WTC25 Final has crowned South Africa's star the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 🏅
— ICC (@ICC) July 14, 2025The right-handed batter also contributed significantly with the ball, dismissing Steve Smith with just his sixth delivery to break a dangerous partnership. He later claimed Josh Hazlewood’s wicket to help wrap up Australia’s second innings.
After registering a first-innings duck, Markram demonstrated remarkable resilience when it mattered most. His 228-ball vigil in the fourth innings showcased both technical mastery and mental fortitude, particularly when supporting an injured Bavuma during the tense chase.
Aiden Markram is etched into Lord’s history 🏏✨. 136 off 207 balls, a masterclass under pressure, both match-defining and match-winning 🇿🇦.
A stellar knock that earns him the ICC Player of the Match award 🔥💪.
Take a bow, Markram! 👏 #WTCFinal #WozaNawe #ProteasWTCFinal pic.twitter.com/dCZTbcx18t
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 14, 2025“This award is truly special,” Markram reflected. “Contributing to our first WTC title means everything. The victory belongs to the entire team – KG’s bowling and Tembs’ leadership were equally crucial.”
Markram’s all-round performance anchored South Africa’s highest successful fourth-innings chase at Lord’s, ending the nation’s 27-year wait for an ICC senior trophy.
Read:South Africa Clinches 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship
The ICC selection panel highlighted how Markram’s performance “epitomised Test match batting at its finest” while making vital bowling contributions. His Player of the Month recognition follows previous ICC awards, including the 2014 U-19 World Cup Player of the Tournament.
