New Delhi, June 16, 2025 — South Africa have finally broken their ICC jinx by winning the prestigious World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 against Australia at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The Proteas scripted history on June 14, chasing down a stiff target of 282 runs in the fourth innings to win by five wickets.
This memorable triumph not only gave South Africa their first ICC title in 27 years but also saw Temba Bavuma create a world record as captain in Test cricket. It was a fitting reward for a side that dominated the WTC cycle and remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Aiden Markram’s Heroics Seal the Deal
The backbone of South Africa’s successful chase was a brilliant century by Aiden Markram, who scored a majestic 136 under immense pressure. Markram’s innings was a masterclass in patience, temperament, and flawless shot selection.
After early blows, it was the 147-run partnership between Markram and captain Bavuma that steadied the innings. Bavuma, who was nursing a hamstring injury, displayed exceptional grit by scoring a valiant 66 before getting out on the fourth day.
Despite the Australian pace trio — Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins — making inroads, the Proteas held their nerve. Markram’s dismissal near the end added some drama, but David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne kept their composure to take South Africa over the line.
Breaking a 104-Year-Old Test Record
By leading South Africa to this historic victory, Temba Bavuma broke a 104-year-old Test cricket record for most wins as captain without facing a defeat. Bavuma’s captaincy record now stands at:
- 9 Wins, 1 Draw (2023-2025)
He surpassed Australia’s Warwick Armstrong, who had 8 wins and 2 draws between 1902 and 1921. Other notable names on this list include England’s Brian Close and India’s Ajinkya Rahane.
🏅 Most Wins as a Test Captain Without Defeat:
| Rank | Captain | Wins | Draws | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Temba Bavuma (SA) | 9 | 1 | 2023–2025 |
| 2️⃣ | Warwick Armstrong (AUS) | 8 | 2 | 1902–1921 |
| 3️⃣ | Brian Close (ENG) | 6 | 1 | 1949–1976 |
| 4️⃣ | Charles Fry (ENG) | 4 | 2 | 1896–1912 |
| 5️⃣ | Ajinkya Rahane (IND) | 4 | 2 | 2017–2021 |
Australia’s Missed Opportunity
For Australia, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. They were favorites coming into the final, especially with a star-studded bowling attack. However, inconsistent batting throughout the Test and dropped catches in the fourth innings cost them dearly.
Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were the only batters who showed resistance, but lack of partnerships and inability to capitalize on key moments hurt their chances. The Australian bowlers gave their all, but the resilience of the Proteas batters stood firm.
Proteas End ICC Title Drought
This WTC win is South Africa’s first ICC trophy since 1998, when they won the ICC KnockOut Trophy (now known as the Champions Trophy). The victory at Lord’s will go down as one of the finest moments in their cricketing history.
For South African fans worldwide, this victory was about more than just cricket — it was about overcoming decades of heartbreaks, near misses, and semifinal curses.
What’s Next for South Africa Cricket?
With this win, South African cricket is on the rise once again. Young talents like Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, and Gerald Coetzee have made their presence felt, while seasoned campaigners like Markram and Bavuma continue to shine.
Their next big assignment is the Test series against India later this year, which promises to be another exciting chapter in their cricketing resurgence.
Key Highlights of WTC Final 2025:
- Winner: South Africa
- Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
- Target: 282 runs
- Top Scorer: Aiden Markram (136)
- Record Broken: Temba Bavuma’s 9 Test wins without defeat (Most by a captain)
- 🇦🇺 Australia’s Top Bowler: Josh Hazlewood (3 wickets)
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