WTC Final 2025: South Africa Clinches First WTC Title in 27 Years

 

London, June 14, 2025 – In a momentous occasion at Lord’s, South Africa has ended a 27-year ICC trophy drought by defeating Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. The Proteas, led by Temba Bavuma, chased down a challenging target of 282 with five wickets in hand, securing their maiden WTC title and writing a new chapter in cricket history.

Match Summary

Australia Innings

• 1st Innings: 212 all out
• 2nd Innings: 207 all out

South Africa Innings

• 1st Innings: 138 all out
• 2nd Innings: 282/5 (chasing 282 for victory)

The match began with strong bowling from both sides, but it was South Africa’s resilience that shone through. After falling behind early in the chase at 30/4, a masterful partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma steadied the innings. Markram’s calm century (136) and Bavuma’s steady 66 provided the backbone of the chase. Despite Australia’s late pressure, Kyle Verreynne sealed the win with a classy cover drive, prompting jubilant celebrations.

Player of the Match & Awards

• Player of the Match: Aiden Markram – for his composed 136-run knock in the final innings
• Player of the Match: Aiden Markram was awarded the Player of the Match award for match-defining 136 runs off 207 balls in the fourth innings. His century laid the foundation for a historic chase, earning him the Player of the Match honors.

Presentation & Trophy Ceremony

At Lord’s, amid thunderous applause, Temba Bavuma received the iconic ICC Test Championship mace – a reward honoring both the team and its lead. The symbolic mace, crafted from sterling silver and gold, now resides with a squad that rewrote its own narrative on the global stage.

Prize Money & Financial Rewards

The ICC awarded a record $3.6 million to the champions and $ $2.16 million to the runners-up, marking the highest-ever payouts in WTC history. This comes from a historic total prize pool of  $5.76 million — more than double previous editions.

Why This Victory Matters

• Redemption for Proteas: South Africa finally shed its long-held “choker” tag, clinching the title at the revered Home of Cricket.
• Leadership Milestone: Temba Bavuma is the first Black African captain to lead a South African men’s side to an ICC trophy.
• Spectacular Performances: Markram’s innings, Bavuma’s leadership, Rabada’s fearsome bowling, and partnerships under pressure all played pivotal roles.
• Historic Chase: Their chase of 282 is among the highest successful pursuits at Lord’s in a final, showcasing their nerve and skill.

What’s Next

The world’s focus now turns to celebrations across South Africa, where fans will revel in this long-awaited triumph. For Australia, introspection begins ahead of the future series. Meanwhile, cricket’s longest format has received a massive boost with this epic finale.

Bottom Line: South Africa’s stunning rise – fueled by grit, skill, and historic breakthroughs – secured them not just a title, but a lasting legacy in Test cricket.