Last Updated on 4 months by Charbel Coorey
South Africa have produced one of the finest moments in their cricketing history, beating Australia by five wickets to win the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s.
Driven by a magnificent partnership by Aiden Markram (136) and Temba Bavuma (66) on day three, the Proteas sealed victory on the stroke of lunch on day four, sparking huge celebrations at the home of cricket.
It was a thoroughly deserved victory. The Proteas fought back from difficult positions right throughout the Test, including from 74 runs behind after they were bundled out for just 138 in their first innings. Australia, who started as hot favourites, were even shorter odds at that point, but South Africa’s outstanding attack exposed their batting issues once again to give themselves a shot at glory.
Markram owned the contest. From the moment he nailed the first of many glorious backfoot punches in the run chase of 282, Australia knew they had a fight on their hands. From then until his 207th delivery, he did not offer Pat Cummins’ side a sniff as he produced an innings of a lifetime to deliver South Africa a trophy after years of heartbreak.
Markram was aptly supported by Temba Bavuma. His innings showcased what he is all about as leader of this team. After suffering a hamstring strain early in his innings, he dug deep for 134 balls, combining for the match-defining 147-run stand to leave Australia hoping for a miracle.
That miracle did not come. Australia’s batting frailties, on show throughout this WTC cycle, came to the fore once again and ultimately cost them their second-straight title. Cummins’ team had the opportunity to bat the Proteas out of the contest in the third innings, but they crumbled to 7/73. Alex Carey and the bowlers bailed them out, but the latter weren’t able to do it with the ball.
Reactions: Emotions galore as South Africa win the 2025 WTC Final – Markram, Bavuma and bowlers deliver the goods
Special mention to Kagiso Rabada (nine wickets for the match), Marco Jansen (four wickets for the match), and Lungi Ngidi (3/38 in the second innings) for their magnificent performances with the ball. They challenged the Australians right throughout the match, and the 2023 champions struggled for answers.
The Proteas fans are basking in the glory, and rightly so. Since winning the ICC Knockout Trophy in 1998, South Africa have endured so many near misses, including a T20 World Cup Final that was in their grasp a year ago.
Here are some of the reactions from Proteas legends and fans, as well as rival fans, to South Africa winning the 2025 WTC Final.
South Africa, who have now won eight-straight Tests, will celebrate this fine win for days to come. Their next assignment will be two Tests in Zimbabwe starting later this month.
Australia are also on the road, with three Tests against West Indies starting June 25. This will kickstart the next WTC cycle.
