South Africa Clinch Maiden WTC Title with Thrilling Chase at Lord’s

South Africa made history at Lord’s on Day 4 of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, chasing down 282 runs to defeat Australia by 5 wickets and lift their first-ever ICC trophy.

Match Recap:

• Chase Completed:
  South Africa resumed Day 4 at 213/2 and reached the target at 282/5 in 83.4 overs.
• Aiden Markram – Match Winner:
  Played one of the greatest WTC innings – a calm, composed 136 off 231 balls. He held the innings together and fell just short of the finish line.
• Captain Bavuma’s Support:
  Temba Bavuma contributed a crucial 66, leading from the front and building a solid stand with Markram.
• The Finishing Pair:
  Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham stayed unbeaten and calmly sealed the win with a boundary.

South Africa’s Bowling Foundation:

• Kagiso Rabada starred with a fiery 5/51 in the first innings, tilting the game early.
• Support from Jansen and Maharaj helped contain Australia in the second innings, restricting them to 207.

Historic Victory:

• South Africa ended a 27-year ICC title drought, last winning in 1998 (Champions Trophy).
• Emotional scenes followed – former stars like Dale Steyn were in tears as the Proteas finally conquered the big stage.

Australia’s Reaction:

• Pat Cummins admitted: “We fell short. South Africa deserved it. They outplayed us.”

Score Summary:

Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets
Champions of the WTC 2025