📍 A Victory 27 Years in the Making
History was made at Lord’s on June 14, 2025, as South Africa lifted the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 trophy, marking their first major ICC title in 27 years. This emotional and hard-fought victory came against Australia in the WTC Final, and it has been hailed as South Africa’s greatest cricket comeback in the modern era.
🏆 Match Overview
- 🏟️ Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
- 📅 Dates: June 11–14, 2025
- 🏏 Final Scores:
- Australia: 212 & 207
- South Africa: 138 & 282/5
- 🏆 Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets
Despite trailing by 74 runs in the first innings, the Proteas showed extraordinary resilience to chase down a formidable target of 282 in the final innings — the highest successful chase in WTC final history.
🌟 Star Performers
✅ Aiden Markram – The Hero of Lord’s
Markram’s unbeaten 137* will go down as one of the most iconic innings in South African cricket. Calm under pressure and commanding in strokeplay, he anchored the chase and led from the front.
✅ Temba Bavuma – Leading with Heart
South Africa’s first Black Test captain, Temba Bavuma, scored a crucial 66 despite battling a hamstring injury. His grit and leadership inspired the team and the nation.
✅ Kagiso Rabada – The Strike Weapon
With a fiery spell of 5/51 in the first innings, Rabada dismantled the Australian top order and laid the foundation for South Africa’s fightback.
💔 From Chokers to Champions
For decades, South Africa carried the label of “chokers” in ICC tournaments. Their near misses in 1992, 1999, and 2015 haunted fans and players alike. But WTC 2025 finally changed that narrative.
“This win is more than just a trophy. It’s redemption,” said Bavuma at the post-match ceremony.
South Africa proved that perseverance, planning, and unity can overcome years of heartbreak.
🔎 Why This Win Matters
- Historic Chase: Highest 4th innings chase in WTC final history
- First ICC Trophy Since 1998: Ended a 27-year title drought
- Inspiration for Generations: A new era of belief in South African cricket
- Global Recognition: ICC and cricketing legends hailed it as one of the greatest Test comebacks
📌 Final Words
The WTC 2025 Final wasn’t just a match — it was a statement, a symbol of redemption, and a testament to national pride. South Africa’s victory has reignited passion in their cricketing future and inspired millions around the world.
Congratulations, South Africa — WTC Champions 2025!