In a gripping showdown at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, South Africa pulled off a memorable five-wicket victory over Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, ending a 27-year wait for a senior men’s ICC trophy.

Quick Read: Key Highlights

• South Africa beat Australia by 5 wickets in the WTC Final at Lord’s.

• Chased down a target of 282 in the fourth innings inside four days.

• Aiden Markram named Player of the Match for his superb 136-run knock.

• Kyle Verreynne hit the winning shot, securing South Africa’s first senior ICC title since 1998.

• Temba Bavuma scored a vital 66, while Kagiso Rabada took 9 wickets in the match.

• South Africa broke a long-standing knockout curse in ICC events.

• Australia’s strong bowling attack made the Proteas fight hard till the end.

South Africa’s Long-Awaited Glory Arrives at Lord’s

Cricket fans around the world experienced a moment of pure magic at Lord’s as South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets to lift the ICC World Test Championship 2025 mace. The match had it all: tense moments, outstanding performances, and, finally, sweet redemption for a team that has come heartbreakingly close too often.

Chasing a target of 282, the Proteas started the fourth day needing just 69 runs to win. Though the finish line seemed near, Australia’s top-notch pace attack made it challenging. But South Africa, led by the calm and confident Aiden Markram, stayed composed.

Markram, who finished with a match-winning 136, was the anchor South Africa needed. He played with elegance, control, and some aggression, remaining unfazed even as wickets fell on the other end. Temba Bavuma, the captain, contributed a vital 66, helping bring the Proteas close before Pat Cummins dismissed him early on Day 4.

Mitchell Starc, always a danger with the new ball, briefly lifted Australian hopes when he bowled Tristan Stubbs for 8, bringing South Africa down to 241/4. With 41 runs left to get, a bit of tension might have crept into the Proteas’ camp. However, Markram stayed calm. He took advantage of loose deliveries and guided his team toward victory.

With just six runs needed for the win, Markram edged one to Josh Hazlewood and walked off to a standing ovation from the Lord’s crowd. This moment highlighted both his contribution and the significance of the achievement. Fittingly, it was Kyle Verreynne who hit the winning runs, celebrating as his teammates rushed the pitch in joy.

This win wasn’t only about one innings. South Africa’s bowlers, led by the dependable Kagiso Rabada, were relentless throughout the match. Rabada’s nine wickets were key in preventing Australia from taking control. His fiery spells and sharp precision reminded everyone why he’s one of the best in the world.

Markram and Rabada, both part of South Africa’s 2014 Under-19 World Cup-winning team, shared this moment of triumph nearly a decade later on the sport’s biggest stage. For them and for South Africa, this wasn’t just a trophy; it was the result of years of heartbreak, rebuilding, and unwavering belief.

Since their last major ICC title win in 1998, South Africa has faced painful exits in several knockout rounds. Just last year, they came close in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against India, but they fell short. That lingering pain made Saturday’s victory even more significant.

Credit also goes to Australia, whose pace bowlers Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood bowled with relentless intensity. They made the Proteas earn every run and kept the final exciting. But it took something special to stop them, and Markram provided just that.

For South Africa, this is a turning point. More than just a title, it proves that they can rise to the occasion, silence their critics, and finally turn potential into trophies. As the players lifted the mace under the grey skies of London, it wasn’t just a celebration; it was history being made.