WTC Final SA vs AUS / South Africa became world champion, created history by winning WTC final

WTC Final SA vs AUS: South Africa created history under the leadership of Temba Bavuma in the final of the 2025 World Test Championship. At the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, South Africa defeated defending champions Australia by 5 wickets within just four days to win their first-ever Test World Cup title. With this, the Proteas ended a 33-year-long wait for a World Cup trophy and wrote a new chapter in cricket history.

Rabada and Markram Emerge as Heroes

The heroes of this historic victory were fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and opening batsman Aiden Markram. Rabada claimed a total of 9 wickets in the match, while Markram played a match-winning knock of 136 runs while chasing the target. Captain Bavuma, despite suffering from a hamstring injury, scored a gritty 66 and played a decisive role in the team's triumph.

A Wait of Decades Ends on Day Four

As soon as Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs on Day Four, Lord’s erupted in celebration. Emotions ran high on the faces of South African players, support staff, and fans. This is South Africa’s second ICC title after winning the ICC KnockOut Trophy (now Champions Trophy) in 1998. Over the years, the Proteas had reached the semifinals or finals on multiple occasions but had always fallen short. This time, under Bavuma’s leadership, the story changed.

Breaking Statistical Barriers

Australia had set a target of 282 runs for South Africa—an extremely challenging task on a pitch like Lord’s. In fact, a 200+ target in the fourth innings had been successfully chased only four times at this venue. South Africa had chased down 250+ targets in Tests just five times before, the last being in 2008. However, the partnership between Markram and Bavuma—worth 147 runs—laid a strong foundation for victory. Bavuma fell after scoring 66, but by then, the team was in a commanding position.

Markram's Bat Seals the Win

Markram’s 136-run innings was the brightest highlight of the match. After Bavuma’s dismissal, he anchored one end and steered the team to the brink of victory. Though he was dismissed just before the win, the job was already done.

A Historic Record Etched in Time

This title is more than just a win for South Africa—it symbolizes the long struggle and unwavering hope associated with the team. They became the first side to win an ICC trophy after a gap of 27 years—the longest interval in cricket history. Previously, this record was held by West Indies with a 25-year gap.

Longest Intervals Between ICC Titles:

• South Africa: 27 years (1998 Champions Trophy – 2025 WTC)

• West Indies: 25 years (1979 ODI WC – 2004 Champions Trophy)

• New Zealand: 21 years (2000 Champions Trophy – 2021 WTC)

• India: 19 years (1983 ODI WC – 2002 Champions Trophy)

• Pakistan: 17 years (1992 ODI WC – 2009 T20 WC)

Final Match Summary:

• Australia 1st Innings: 212

• South Africa 1st Innings: 138

• Australia 2nd Innings: 207

• Target: 282

• South Africa 2nd Innings: 283/5

  • Markram 136, Bavuma 66, Rabada 9 wickets (match total)