South Africa etched their names in cricket history on June 14, 2025, securing a memorable five-wicket victory against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord's. This win not only marked their first-ever WTC title but also ended a 27-year drought for a major ICC trophy, their last triumph being the ICC KnockOut Trophy in 1998. Several South African players delivered outstanding performances, contributing significantly to this historic win.
Aiden Markram was deservedly named Player of the Match for his masterful innings of 136 in the fourth innings. Set a target of 282 for victory, South Africa resumed Day 4 on 213/2, with Markram and captain Temba Bavuma at the crease. Markram's resilient and stylish knock anchored the innings, symbolising South Africa's long-awaited moment of redemption. Markram reflected on his innings, stating, "Weird how things work out… you get a duck and then this. Lord's is where every Test cricketer wants to play. It was about absorbing pressure and maximizing scoring options. It's one of those special days." His innings was not just about numbers; it showcased immense character and resilience under pressure, solidifying his place as a big-match player for South Africa. His magnificent innings ended just six runs short of the finish line as he was caught at mid-wicket, but he had already ensured South Africa was on the brink of victory.
Captain Temba Bavuma also played a crucial role, scoring a gritty 66 in the second innings despite battling a hamstring injury. His stay at the crease resulted in a 143-run partnership with Markram, the highest in the Test, ensuring South Africa was within reach of their goal. Markram praised Bavuma's leadership and character, stating, "I think there was a lot of adrenaline there, but also a lot of leadership and character he showed. Those numbers are not big but they really make a difference, and that's what Temba did in this game." Bavuma's presence and determination were vital in stabilising the innings and guiding the team towards the target. His "gunman" celebration with the Test mace also went viral, capturing the emotion and significance of the moment.
Kagiso Rabada spearheaded the South African bowling attack, finishing the match with nine wickets. His fiery spell of 5 for 51 in the first innings dismantled Australia's top and middle order, giving South Africa an early advantage. He followed this up with 4 for 59 in the second innings, consistently troubling the Australian batsmen with pace, swing, and accuracy. Rabada's performance earned him personal milestones as well, surpassing Jacques Kallis to become South Africa's fifth-highest wicket-taker across all formats. Rabada expressed his joy and pride in the team's achievement, stating, "We played well throughout the season. We deserved to get into this position. Australia are a really strong team and we had to be at our best to beat them."
The contributions of other players were also significant. Lungi Ngidi's game-changing spell in Australia's second innings helped restrict their lead. David Bedingham's cameos in both innings played a crucial role in preventing an Australian comeback. Marco Jansen's excellent support to Rabada, picking up crucial wickets, further strengthened the bowling attack. Kyle Verreynne ultimately hit the winning shot, sealing the victory and sparking jubilant celebrations.
South Africa's victory in the WTC Final was a result of a collective effort, with key contributions from Bavuma, Markram, Rabada, and the rest of the team. This historic win marks a new chapter in South African cricket, one filled with belief, resilience, and the sweet taste of victory.
