A Historic Triumph at Lord’s: South Africa Crowned WTC Champions
South Africa created cricketing history at iconic Lord’s by ending a 27‑year ICC trophy drought, after riding a rollercoaster of fortunes to defeat Australia and raise the ICC World Test Championship mace.
🚨 The Context: Setting the Stage
From June 11–15, 2025, Lord’s hosted one of cricket’s most anticipated showdowns—the final of the third WTC cycle, pitting two of the game’s heavyweights against each other . Australia, reigning champions, won the toss and chose to bat first under grey skies—seemingly perfect bowling conditions at England’s cathedral of cricket .
England’s Classics: Day 1–2 Fireworks
Australia got off to a solid start but faltered late on Day 1, getting all out for 212. Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) offered resistance, but Kagiso Rabada’s fiery 5/51 made all the difference
South Africa’s reply on Day 2 crumbled to 138, undone by Pat Cummins’ blistering 6/28—a spell that not only reaped wickets but also carried the symbolic weight of his 300th Test dismissal. Cummins thus became the first fast‑bowling Test captain since 1982 to claim a five‑for at Lord’s
Australia then surged in their second innings and at 144/8 led by 218, poised for dominance. But enter South Africa’s triumvirate of fast bowlers—Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and others—who ripped through the tail. Ngidi’s 3/35 backed Rabada’s persistence, keeping hopes alive
Day 3: The Turning Point – Markram & Bavuma’s Magic
Australia pushed the lead to 282 thanks to a gritty 58* from Mitchell Starc . With that, South Africa faced a daunting chase.
But Day 3 belonged to Aiden Markram and captain Temba Bavuma. Bavuma battled bravely with a hamstring injury, anchoring a crucial 66-run half-century alongside Markram . Then Markram seized the moment—transforming the chase with a counter-punching 136 not out, earning praise as “someone for the big occasion” from the team’s batting coach
By stumps, South Africa stood at 213/2—just 69 runs from immortality
The Climactic Finale: Day 4
The morning of Day 4 saw steady, measured progress. Australia experimented with their bowling, mixing pace and spin to salvage something But pressure told, and wickets were scarce.
South Africa edged closer—10… 5… 4… and then victory! With five wickets in hand, the Proteas completed a thrilling chase of 282—the highest successful run‑chase in any WTC final—securing their first global ICC trophy since 1998
🎉 Key Performers & Records
- Aiden Markram: A spectacular fourth‑innings 136*, becoming only the third centurion in WTC finals after Smith and Head
- Temba Bavuma: A gritty 66* despite injury, showing calm leadership
- Kagiso Rabada: Dominant throughout—5/51 and 4/??, surpassing Allan Donald on SA’s all‑time Test wicket list
- Pat Cummins: Imposing with a 6-wicket haul and his 300th Test wicket at Lord’s
- Mitchell Starc: Dual heroics—rescuing Australia with 58* and doing damage early with the ball .
Why This Victory Matters
This win is more than silverware. South Africa—often labelled ICC “chokers”—have exorcised that tag in their third attempt at a WTC final, finally cementing themselves as true contenders. For Bavuma, it’s the ultimate victory as South Africa’s first Black Test captain to lift an ICC trophy
Markram’s all‑round excellence, pivotal contributions from Rabada, Ngidi, and Bavuma, and a collective mental toughness now redefine Proteas cricket.
Aftermath & Legacy
Under Bavuma’s hushed yet resolute stewardship, South Africa have set a new bar. The mark of a champion is consistency—and perhaps Lord’s will continue to beckon as a venue that rewards this team’s ball‑by‑ball composure .
Also Read : “Record-breaking” : How Markram and Bavuma Set Up South Africa’s Glory Chase