South Africa Clinch Historic WTC Title, End 27-Year ICC Trophy Drought

South Africa Clinch Historic WTC Title, End 27-Year ICC Trophy Drought

London, June 14, 2025 – In a thrilling and emotional finale at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, South Africa etched their name into the history books by clinching their first-ever ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title, defeating powerhouse Australia by 5 wickets on Day 4 of the final.

This momentous victory ends a 27-year wait for a major ICC title, with the Proteas last tasting global glory in the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy.

Markram, Bavuma Steer Historic Chase

Chasing a daunting target of 282, South Africa’s hopes rested on experienced hands, and they delivered under pressure. Aiden Markram rose to the occasion with a brilliant century, anchoring the innings with poise and purpose. His knock was the backbone of the chase, setting the tempo and instilling belief in the dressing room.

Captain Temba Bavuma, battling a hamstring strain, showed tremendous grit and resilience to notch up a gritty fifty, guiding his team through tense moments. His leadership, both on and off the field, proved pivotal in uniting the side during critical phases of the match.

Rabada’s Ruthless Spell

Earlier in the game, Kagiso Rabada was the chief architect with the ball, delivering fiery spells across both innings. His match haul of 9 wickets rattled the Australian batting order, restricting them from setting an insurmountable total. Rabada’s relentless pace and control earned him the Player of the Match award and firmly established his legacy as a modern Test great.

Proteas Celebrate Historic Triumph

As the final runs were scored, the South African players erupted in joy, with celebrations spilling into the stands where fans waved flags and chanted in jubilation. This win marks a new era in South African cricket, breaking the long-standing narrative of near-misses and heartbreak in ICC events.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, an emotional Bavuma said, “This victory means everything. We’ve carried the hopes of a nation for so long, and today we made them proud.”

Australia Falter in Final Again

For Australia, the loss comes as a disappointment after a strong run in the tournament. Despite solid performances from Steve Smith and Pat Cummins, they were unable to withstand South Africa’s determined fightback in both departments.

🏆 Final Score Summary:

Australia – 297 & 221
South Africa – 237 & 283/5

With this win, South Africa are crowned the 2025 ICC World Test Champions, finally laying their hands on the silver mace and signaling a powerful resurgence in world cricket.