In a historic triumph that will echo through the annals of cricket history, South Africa clinched their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) title with a commanding 5-wicket victory over Australia at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Saturday. This monumental achievement marks the Proteas’ first-ever world title in international cricket and their second ICC trophy, following the 1998 ICC Knockout triumph.
The final, played out in front of roaring crowds at the ‘Home of Cricket’, was a testament to the enduring allure of Test cricket. South Africa chased down a challenging target with grit and flair, ending a 27-year wait for a global crown. Aiden Markram, named the Aramco Player of the Match, delivered a masterclass with a match-defining century, while the pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi dismantled the Australian batting lineup with relentless intensity. Captain Temba Bavuma‘s calm and tactical leadership was the backbone of this historic victory.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah was quick to laud the Proteas, taking to X to express his admiration: ‘Congratulations to @ProteasMenCSA on winning the @ICC World Test Championship! A performance for the ages from @aramco Player of the Match Aiden Markram. The @HomeOfCricket Lord’s was a fantastic venue, and the huge crowds every day once again showed the global passion for Test cricket.’
Legends of the game also joined in the chorus of praise. Former Indian captain Anil Kumble called it ‘Test cricket at its finest,’ while batter Cheteshwar Pujara hailed South Africa’s ‘resilience, skill, and unwavering determination’ in a post on X. Yuvraj Singh, offering detailed insights, wrote: ‘The class of 2025 ends a 27-year wait and lifts the ICC World Test Championship Trophy in style! Huge congrats to the @ProteasMenCSA on a historic win at Lord’s. I’ve always believed there’s no greater measure of resilience and character than Test cricket, and South Africa rose to the occasion! #AidenMarkram’s century was pure class, while #TembaBavuma led with calm and courage. A final worthy of the format. Tough luck #Australia!’
For Australia, the defeat marked the end of a golden era under captain Pat Cummins, whose illustrious reign included retaining the Ashes against England, winning the previous WTC title in 2023, and securing the 50-over World Cup against India. Despite the loss, Australia’s fight till the last over showcased why they remain a powerhouse in world cricket, with players like Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc putting up valiant efforts.
The numbers behind South Africa’s triumph are staggering. According to Cricinfo data, this victory marks only the second time in over a decade that Australia has lost a Test match at Lord’s. Markram’s century—scored at a strike rate of 68.75—was the fastest in a WTC final, underlining his pivotal role. Meanwhile, Rabada’s haul of 6 wickets in the match further cements his status as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, with a career tally now approaching 300 Test wickets.
As the cricketing world celebrates South Africa’s long-overdue coronation, the 2025 WTC Final will be remembered as a defining moment for the Proteas and a reminder of Test cricket’s unparalleled drama. For fans, players, and pundits alike, this match was more than just a game—it was a celebration of resilience, skill, and the timeless spirit of the longest format.