London – June 14, 2025, will forever be remembered in South African cricket history. At the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, South Africa finally laid to rest years of heartbreak and near-misses by defeating Australia by five wickets to win the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC). With this win, the Proteas not only lifted their second major ICC title but also ended a 27-year trophy drought, dating back to their first and only previous ICC triumph in 1998.

A Victory Beyond Numbers South Africa’s road to the WTC Final was paved with challenges, but the ultimate reward came dramatically. Chasing a tough target of 282 runs in the fourth innings – a total only ever matched once before at Lord’s – they held their nerve to script one of the greatest final-day finishes in Test history.

It was Aiden Markram’s brilliant 136 that turned the game around. His innings, full of patience and stroke-play, was the foundation of the chase. Alongside him, captain Temba Bavuma, battling a hamstring injury, showed immense courage and leadership with a gritty unbeaten 66 to see his team through.

The final match, played from June 11 to 14 at Lord’s, began with Australia posting 212 runs in their first innings, led by a steady knock from Steve Smith. South Africa struggled in response, bowled out for just 138, as Pat Cummins tore through their batting lineup with figures of 6 for 28—bringing up his 300th Test wicket in style. Australia’s second innings began in trouble, but Mitchell Starc’s crucial unbeaten 58 lifted them to 207, setting South Africa a challenging target of 282. The Proteas rose to the moment, finishing on 282 for 5, with Markram’s century and Bavuma’s calm assurance steering them to a famous win. Kagiso Rabada was another standout, claiming a total of nine wickets in the match and setting the tone with the ball.

Key Moments That Defined the FinalMarkram’s 136 in the fourth innings was a knock for the ages, composed under extreme pressure and on a historic ground. Bavuma’s resilience and tactical presence, despite his injury, embodied leadership. South Africa’s successful chase of 282 equalled the second-highest successful fourth-innings chase at Lord’s, last achieved by England in 2004. Rabada’s fiery spells throughout both innings played a major role in dismantling Australia’s top order and shifting the momentum South Africa’s way.

Years of Pain Finally OverFrom the infamous 1999 World Cup semi-final heartbreak against Australia, to the rain-rule disaster in 2003, and the 2024 T20 World Cup final slip against India, South Africa’s ICC journey has been littered with frustration and what-ifs. Over the years, they suffered 12 semi-final exits, two quarter-final knockouts, and one final defeat, without lifting a single ICC trophy for 27 long years. That painful chapter has now been closed.

Bavuma’s Brave LeadershipTemba Bavuma may not be the biggest name in global cricket, but his calm demeanor and tactical intelligence guided South Africa through the WTC cycle unbeaten. His captaincy in the final was praised for its clarity and heart. Despite not being 100% fit, he led from the front, anchoring the chase when it mattered most.

His legacy is now sealed: the first South African captain to win an ICC Test championship and the man who finally removed the dreaded “chokers” label from Proteas cricket.

The World ReactsGlobal cricket legends and fans erupted in applause. AB de Villiers hailed Markram and Bavuma’s brilliance. Sachin Tendulkar praised the team’s ability to “ride out the storm.” Yuvraj Singh couldn’t resist a cheeky tweet directed at Australia, saying, “It’s okay to lose a final, happens to the best of us.”

Social Media Buzz and National PrideFrom Cape Town to Johannesburg, South African fans celebrated the end of years of disappointment. Memes flooded social media, celebrating the victory and humorously mocking Australia’s defeat. One popular meme read, “This is what happens when you choose IPL over Test cricket!”

The win brought immense national pride. For many fans, it wasn’t just a cricket match – it was emotional closure.

More Than Just a TrophySouth Africa earned USD 3.6 million for winning the championship, while Australia received $2.1 million. They also became only the third team – after New Zealand and Australia – to win the World Test Championship title. This victory is just the second ICC trophy in South Africa’s cricketing history, making it a truly historic moment for a proud cricketing nation.

Redemption CompleteSouth Africa’s victory in the 2025 WTC Final is more than a sporting achievement – it is a powerful story of redemption, resilience, and revival. For a team haunted by failures in crucial moments, this triumph marks a turning point.

The tag of “chokers” has finally been buried. South Africa are world champions – and they’ve done it in the most Test cricket way possible: with grit, fight, and heart.