Published: June 15, 2025 | Author: Rohit Garg | Source: Awaaz 365 Sports
🇿🇦 South Africa’s Long Wait Finally Ends
South Africa has ended a 27-year ICC title drought with a stunning five-wicket win over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship Final. This win at Lord’s is not just a trophy—it’s a statement, a symbol of resilience, and a landmark in Proteas cricketing history.
With Aiden Markram’s magnificent century and a united team performance, South Africa lifted their first major title since the 1998 Champions Trophy, sending waves of joy through fans across the globe.
📍 Match Summary
- Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
- Dates: June 11–14, 2025
- Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets
- Player of the Match: Aiden Markram (136*)
📝 Scorecard Overview
Australia 1st innings: 212 (M. Labuschagne 62, K. Rabada 4/46)
South Africa 1st innings: 138 (Hazlewood 4/29, Starc 3/34)
Australia 2nd innings: 207 (T. Head 76, Nortje 3/39)
South Africa 2nd innings: 282/5 (Markram 136*, Bavuma 66)
Victory Margin: South Africa won by 5 wickets
🌟 Markram’s Heroics: The Defining Knock
Aiden Markram was the star of the show, crafting a match-winning knock of 136 not out in the final innings. His calmness under pressure and ability to counter the Aussie pace attack helped build one of the most memorable chases in Test cricket.
Temba Bavuma, despite being injured, stood firm and added 66 crucial runs in a 163-run partnership with Markram that changed the course of the match. Their approach was methodical—absorbing pressure, rotating strike, and punishing loose deliveries.
🎯 Bowling Impact: Rabada & Nortje Lead the Charge
Kagiso Rabada once again proved his class, picking up 4 key wickets in the first innings and applying immense pressure throughout the match. He now stands among the best fast bowlers of the era with consistent performances in high-pressure matches.
Anrich Nortje supported brilliantly with 3/39 in the second innings, while Maharaj’s tight spells restricted scoring. Even Marco Jansen chipped in with a vital wicket and consistent economy.
📆 Session-by-Session Breakdown
Day 1:
Australia struggled against Rabada and Ngidi but still posted a fighting 212, thanks to Labuschagne’s patient 62. South Africa ended Day 1 at 52/4—under pressure and in trouble.
Day 2:
The Proteas were bowled out for just 138. Hazlewood and Starc were lethal with the new ball. Australia ended the day on top at 187/5, with Travis Head attacking the bowlers late in the day.
Day 3:
Australia was dismissed for 207, setting a target of 282. South Africa responded solidly, ending the day at 215/3 with Markram unbeaten. The dream was alive.
Day 4:
The Proteas needed 67 runs on Day 4 and completed the chase within the first session. Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs as the South African team and fans erupted in celebration.
📣 Global & Player Reactions
“Proudest moment of my life. We’ve worked for this for years. To do it at Lord’s makes it extra special.” — Aiden Markram
“We believed. That’s all we needed.” — Temba Bavuma, SA Captain
Cricket legends like AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis hailed the victory as “historic” and “emotionally fulfilling.” Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper, graciously admitted, “South Africa outplayed us in all departments.”
🔍 Tactical Brilliance Behind the Win
South Africa’s strategy focused on bowling discipline and patience with the bat. Coach Shukri Conrad stressed mental strength and character-building in pre-final camps, while Bavuma’s calm leadership ensured players didn’t panic after first-innings collapse.
The decision to promote Markram to No. 3 in the second innings proved match-winning. Backroom analyst Prasanna Agoram also played a key role in planning bowling sequences against Australian batters.
📊 WTC Points Table & South Africa’s Journey
- ✅ Beat India 2-0 at home
- ✅ Won away Test in Pakistan
- ✅ Drew series 1-1 in New Zealand
- ✅ Consistent top-3 rankings throughout WTC cycle
Their balanced side with experience (Rabada, Bavuma, Maharaj) and youth (Jansen, Verreynne) was built precisely for such conditions and occasions.
🎉 Celebrations Across South Africa
Cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban were filled with street parades, music, and fireworks. The South African flag was hoisted high in schools and homes as the nation celebrated one of the greatest sporting achievements in its history.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a public holiday and commended the team for “restoring hope, pride, and inspiration for a generation.”
📈 What This Win Means for South African Cricket
After years of heartbreaks—semifinal exits, missed World Cups, and controversial moments—this title changes the narrative. South Africa is no longer the “nearly there” team. They are now champions. They are now legacy-builders.
With the Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, this win injects belief and structure into South African cricket for years to come.
🖋️ Final Word
The World Test Championship Final 2025 wasn’t just a match; it was a redemption story, a triumph of belief, unity, and sheer will. South Africa’s win against Australia at Lord’s will forever echo in cricketing history.
From heartbreak to heroism, this is what sport is all about. Take a bow, Proteas.
#WTC2025 #ProteaFire #SouthAfricaChampions #Markram136*
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