South Africa claimed their maiden World Test Championship title with a composed five-wicket victory over Australia at Lord’s, completing a historic chase of 282 on the fourth morning of the final, June 14, 2025. Aiden Markram’s monumental 136 and Temba Bavuma’s steady 66 anchored the chase, while Pat Cummins’ 6/28 earlier in the match kept Australia competitive.
Match Summary and Final Scorecard
The 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final unfolded at Lord’s from June 11 to 14, pitting defending champions Australia against South Africa. Australia posted 212 in their first innings and 207 in the second. South Africa replied with 138 in their first innings and chased down 282/5 in the fourth innings to win by five wickets.
Aiden Markram was named Player of the Match for his match-defining 136 in the fourth innings.
Innings Breakdown
Australia Innings
- 1st Innings: 212 all out (56.4 overs). Key contributions from Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66), with Kagiso Rabada claiming a five-wicket haul.
- 2nd Innings: 207 all out.
South Africa Innings
- 1st Innings: 138 all out.
- 2nd Innings (Chase): 282/5 in 83.4 overs. Aiden Markram scored 136, Temba Bavuma added 66, and David Bedingham remained not out on 21.
Key Performances
- Aiden Markram: His marathon 136 in the fourth innings anchored the chase and earned him Player of the Match.
- Temba Bavuma (c): Contributed a vital 66, forming a crucial partnership with Markram.
- Pat Cummins: Led Australia’s bowling attack with 6/28 in South Africa’s first innings.
- Kagiso Rabada: Claimed a five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings.
Historic Context
This victory marked South Africa’s first major ICC trophy in 27 years, ending a long drought and shedding their reputation for faltering in big matches. The chase of 282 stands as the second-highest successful run chase in the 141-year history of Test cricket at Lord’s.
Highlights and Turning Points
South Africa began the final day needing just 69 runs and reached the target before lunch, losing only three wickets in the process. The partnership between Markram and Bavuma proved decisive, while Australia’s aggressive tactics—including burning all three reviews and attacking the stumps—failed to derail the chase.
Road to the Final
South Africa’s path to the final included strong performances across the WTC cycle, though they notably did not face England or Australia in the league stage—a point critics raised. Australia, meanwhile, had a dominant run through the league phase but were unable to defend their title.
Prize Money and Officials
As champions, South Africa received US$3.6 million, while Australia earned US$2.1 million as runners-up. The match officials included umpires Chris Gaffaney (NZ) and Richard Illingworth (Eng), with Javagal Srinath (Ind) serving as match referee.
What This Means for South African Cricket
This triumph is more than just a title—it’s a redemption story. The win at Lord’s not only delivered long-awaited silverware but also served as a unifying moment for South African sport.
FAQ
Q: Who won the WTC Final 2025 and by what margin?
A: South Africa won the WTC Final 2025 by five wickets, chasing down a target of 282 in the fourth innings.
Q: Who was Player of the Match in the WTC Final 2025?
A: Aiden Markram was named Player of the Match for his match-defining 136 in the fourth innings.
Q: What were the innings scores in the WTC Final 2025?
A: Australia scored 212 and 207 in their two innings; South Africa replied with 138 and 282/5 in the chase.
Q: What is significant about South Africa’s win?
A: It was South Africa’s first major ICC title in 27 years and featured the second-highest successful run chase in Lord’s Test history.
Q: How much prize money did the teams receive?
A: South Africa received US$3.6 million as champions, while Australia earned US$2.1 million as runners-up.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
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