London: South Africa ended their 27-year wait for an ICC title with a gripping five-wicket victory over Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval.
The result marked South Africa’s first major ICC trophy since 1998 when they won the inaugural Knockout Trophy.
Chasing 282 in the fourth innings, the Proteas were under pressure early but held their nerve to clinch the title, thanks to heroic performances from Aiden Markram and skipper Temba Bavuma.
Markram struck a masterful 136 while Bavuma contributed a gritty 66 despite struggling with a hamstring injury, as the duo put on a match-winning partnership on the final two days.
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 🏆🇿🇦
South Africa take home the 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐞 👏#WTC25 #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/Yy4C4AQEO7
— ICC (@ICC) June 14, 2025
The match began in overcast conditions, with Bavuma winning the toss and opting to bowl. South African pacer Kagiso Rabada made an immediate impact, reducing Australia to 67 for 4.
Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) added 79 runs for the fifth wicket to provide some resistance. However, Rabada’s five-wicket haul and Marco Jansen’s three wickets ensured Australia were bowled out for 212.
Australia responded strongly with the ball, led by a sensational spell from Pat Cummins, who took 6 for 39. South Africa struggled to gain momentum, with David Bedingham’s 45 being the highest individual score.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood supported the effort with crucial breakthroughs, helping Australia secure a 74-run first-innings lead.
The history-makers at the historic balcony 🤩
South Africa soak it all in at Lord’s 😍 #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/S90zl1n2L1
— ICC (@ICC) June 14, 2025
In their second innings, Australia capitalized on the lead with a crucial contribution from Starc, who top-scored with an unbeaten 58. Despite a disciplined bowling effort from the Proteas, Rabada claiming four wickets and Lungi Ngidi taking three, Australia posted 207, setting South Africa a challenging target of 282.
Facing a steep chase under pressure, South Africa lost early wickets but recovered through a resilient stand between Bavuma and Markram.
The captain, in clear discomfort, showed immense grit, while Markram played one of the finest knocks of his career, anchoring the chase with class and composure.
Their 187-run partnership proved decisive, steering South Africa to 282 for 5 and sealing the victory in style. The win not only secured the WTC crown but also broke a decades-long streak of ICC heartbreaks for South Africa.
