South Africa defeated defending champions Australia by five wickets at Lord’s on June 14, 2025, to win the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC), their first major ICC title since 1998. Aiden Markram’s composed 136 guided the Proteas to a 282-run target, ending a 27-year global trophy drought, as reported by ICC.
Resuming day four at 213/2, South Africa needed 69 runs to secure the title. An early setback saw Temba Bavuma (66) edge behind off Mitchell Starc, followed by Tristan Stubbs (8). David Bedingham (20*) and Markram steadied the innings with a 35-run stand, pushing the Proteas within six runs of victory before Markram fell to Josh Hazlewood. His 207-ball knock, with 14 boundaries, was pivotal. Kyle Verreynne (6*) completed the chase without further loss.
The moment all of South Africa had been waiting for 🇿🇦🏆#WTC25 #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/tmgZGbkFFy
— ICC (@ICC) June 14, 2025Australia, bowled out for 207 in their second innings on day three, set a 282-run target. Starc’s unbeaten 58, alongside Beau Webster’s 72 and Steve Smith’s 62 in the first innings (212), kept them competitive. Kagiso Rabada’s 5-47 dismantled Australia’s first innings. South Africa struggled in their first innings, scoring 138, with Pat Cummins claiming 6-41. Australia’s 74-run lead proved insufficient against South Africa’s resilient chase.
Father's Day came early for Temba Bavuma 🥹🫶#SAvAUS #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/5hy5LBEUIN
— ICC (@ICC) June 14, 2025The victory marks South Africa’s first ICC tournament final win since the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy, highlighting their red-ball resurgence. Markram’s century and Rabada’s bowling underscored the team’s depth. Fans on X celebrated, with posts like “Proteas finally break the curse!” reflecting national pride. The win cements South Africa’s status as a Test cricket powerhouse.
South Africa’s WTC triumph ends decades of near-misses and showcases their grit and talent. The victory at Lord’s, cricket’s historic home, adds to its significance.
