South Africa victory over Australia at Lord’s marks their first ICC World Test Championship title in 2025.
Lords: South Africa sealed a momentous South Africa victory by defeating Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s, ending a 27-year wait for a global title. Aiden Markram’s stellar 136 guided the Proteas to a five-wicket win and their first Test Championship crown, the country’s most significant triumph since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
Resuming Day Four on 213/2, South Africa needed just 69 runs. While the day began under clearing skies in London, Australia struck early. Pat Cummins removed skipper Temba Bavuma for 66, giving Australia hope. Tristan Stubbs followed after being bowled by Mitchell Starc, reducing the Proteas to 241/4.
Markram, however, remained composed, displaying his class and temperament under pressure. Alongside David Bedingham, he added vital runs, bringing the chase within touching distance. Though Markram fell with six runs left, caught by Travis Head at mid-wicket, his innings had already carved a legacy.
Kyle Verreynne then joined Bedingham, and it was the wicketkeeper who struck the winning boundary off Starc in the 84th over, sparking jubilant scenes among the South African players and fans at the Home of Cricket.
The match saw standout performances from Kagiso Rabada, who took nine wickets across two innings, and Bedingham, whose calm innings under pressure was invaluable. Despite Australia’s resilience, especially with batters like Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc offering fight, South Africa’s resolve held firm.
Captain Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad’s leadership was evident throughout the campaign, with South Africa’s depth and determination shining at Lord’s. Their measured fourth-innings chase, which ended on 282/5, was a fitting end to a high-quality contest between two top sides.
This South Africa victory is a significant milestone—one that etches the 2025 squad into cricketing folklore. Their World Test Championship win not only breaks a global title drought but also reaffirms South Africa’s place among the elite in red-ball cricket.
