@Markram hugs Bavuma after scoring a century vs Aus WTC Final 2025
WTC Final London, Lord s, June 11-14, 2025
On June 14, 2025, South Africa wrote their name in the history of cricket by beating Australia by five wickets in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord fnb;s.In pursuit of 282 in the fourth innings, South Africa, through Aiden Markram masterpiece of 136, overcame initial jitters and fearsome Australian pace attack to claim their maiden global Test championship. It was a coronation of sorts to a nation that had been typecast as the chokers, and was in need of a win that would be felt all the way from the Kalahari to the Cape of Good Hope.
Day 1: Bowlers Strike the Chord
The game started with a cloudy sky, and 14 wickets fell on a drama-packed first day. The best of the pace spearheads was South Africa Kagiso Rabada, who took his 17th five-wicket haul in Tests (5-51) to dismiss Australia for 212. Steve Smith (66) and debutant Beau Webster (72) offered some fight, but Rabada and Marco Jansen (3-44) helped cause a late collapse of 5/22. The Australian bowlers fought back led by Pat Cummins (2-15), Mitchell Starc (1-12) and Josh Hazlewood (1-16) to put South Africa on 43/4 at the end of the day. Temba Bavuma (3 not out) and David Bedingham (8 not out) hung on, with the deficit at 169.
Day 2: South Africa Fight Back :
The Proteas were bowled out in their first innings, 138 runs, Cummins taking a career-best 6-28 to reveal the vulnerability of the South African top-order. The only highlight was the 45 by Bedingham as Australia took a 74-run lead. But the bowlers of South Africa came back superbly. Lungi Ngidi (3-38) and Rabada (4-59) destroyed the Australian second innings as they were bowled out on 73/7. An enthusiastic rearguard by Mitchell Starc (58) and Alex Carey (43) helped Australia to 207 and South Africa a target of 282 to win. South Africa finished the day at 23 for one, Ryan Rickelton and Markram having displayed positive intentions early on.
Day 3: Markram and Bavuma steer to chase :
The third day was the day of the South Africa batters, especially Markram and Bavuma. South Africa, having resumed at 213/2, and still requiring 69 runs, were under the pump. Bavuma, who was struggling with a hamstring injury, kept battling pain to make a stubborn 66, sharing a match-defining 147-run partnership with Markram. The resolve of the South African captain was put to the test and Australia used all their three reviews in desperation. Markram, sublime control was played, his square drives and pulls meanwhile piercing the field of Australia. South Africa lost Bavuma to a Cummins lifter and Tristan Stubbs to the brilliance of Starc, but finished the day very much in control.
Day 4: Markram Epic Closes Glory :
The last day began with South Africa requiring 41 runs and Australia having slim chances. Already on 122, Markram took his time to continue his innings, taking the pressure off with a magnificent pull off Cummins. But as he was seeing the light of victory, he was bowled by Starc, for 136, selecting midwicket. Australian fielders shook his hand as he walked off, realizing one of the great WTC innings. Kyle Verreynne (4*) and David Bedingham (21*) then led South Africa home, Verreynne hitting the winning runs through cover at 12:45 PM. Lords erupted and the players of South Africa hugged, as their years of waiting to win a global title were over.
Key Performances :
The key to South African victory was the 136 scored by Aiden Markram.His gritty yet stylish innings is one of the best in Test matches by a South African batsman along with Bruce Mitchell (189*) and Graeme Smith (154*). His leadership qualities also glittered as Markram led South Africa to the 2014 U19 World Cup and a T20 World Cup final in 2024. Kagiso Rabada was named Player of the Match with match figures of 9-110, his angry spells reducing Australia to rubble on both occasions. Temba Bavuma made a captain s knock of 66 injured but Cummins (9 wickets) and Starc (3-66 in the fourth innings) were best for Australia.
Captains’ Reflections :
An emotional Temba Bavuma of South Africa said at the presentation: “This one is dedicated to those who said we beat weaker teams. The home advantage here was like having the support of a home game.” Coach Shukri Conrad termed it ecstatic as he applauded the resilience shown by the team. Australia captain Pat Cummins was a good loser: South Africa did not give us any chances in the fourth innings. Aiden and Temba were brilliant. We did not bash the opposition out after a good lead but SA are a well-deserving winner.”
The Significance :
This was the biggest cricketing moment in South African history, bigger than their 1998 ICC Knockout triumph. South Africa had been plagued by close escapes in the world tournaments over the decades. Markram and his epic made sure that there was no heartbreak like in the past, presenting the WTC mace and shutting the critics who doubted their route to the final. The victory also revived Test cricket in South Africa where franchise leagues have sucked talent. It was one of the best I have ever seen, stated Ryan Rickelton about the inning of Aiden. We took pressure and then moved forward.”
Australia’s Perspective :
It was a bruising defeat in the case of Australia. A first-innings lead of 74 runs and an impressive bowling line-up was not sufficient to get past the determination of South Africa. Cummins conceded that they went loose in their second innings, folding to 73/7. Nathan Lyon laboured in vain and the inconsistency of the top order was questioned. However, the battle of Australia, which was capped by the all-round heroics of Starc, highlighted their status as champions.
The Lords Factor :
The Home of Cricket, Lord -s offered a suitable background. The fans of South Africa, who were more than those of Australia, made the event rowdy, as they chanted “Oh Temba Bavuma” at the medal presentation ceremony. Both teams were tested by the pitch which had pace and spin but South Africa with their ability to adapt to conditions proved to be the match winners. Their aggression was reflected by their batting false shot percentage of 20.7 in 2024 Tests and 50.3 per cent boundary scoring.
Looking Ahead :
The victory of South Africa opens the door to the golden period. They have Markram, Rabada, and other upcoming stars such as Verreynne, and they are ready to dominate. Still formidable, Australia will lick its wounds and prepare to move on. The WTC Final 2025 will go down the memory lane as a classic, where the heart and skill of South Africa defeated the might of Australia.
Brief Scores :
Australia : 1st Innings : 212 (Smith 66, Webster 72, Rabada 5-51)
2nd Inning : 207 (Starc 58, Carey 43, Rabada 4-59, Ngidi 3/38 )
South Africa : 1st Innings : 138 (Bedingham 45, Cummins 6-28)
2nd Innings : 282/5 (Markram 136, Bavuma 66, Starc 3/66).
Result : South Africa Won by 5 wicket.
Player of the Match : Kagiso Rabada