In a glorious climax to what has been a long, painful journey of near-misses and heartbreak, South Africa finally etched their name in history by winning the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. On Friday, June 14, 2025, under typically cloudy London skies, the Proteas defeated the reigning champions Australia by five wickets. It was their first major International Cricket Council (ICC) trophy since 1998—a 27-year drought finally ended.
For South African cricket fans, it was more than just a win; it was a cathartic release of tension and suppressed dreams. The innings that will be talked about for decades came from opener Aiden Markram. Chasing a tricky 282 in the fourth innings, Markram stood tall with a gritty, masterful century, scoring 136 runs that formed the backbone of South Africa’s chase. His innings was equal parts elegance and resistance, an answer to critics and an exclamation point in the narrative of South Africa’s cricketing resurrection.
Labelled as “chokers” for years, South Africa’s cricket teams had developed a reputation for crumbling under pressure in crucial knockout games. From the chaos of the 1999 World Cup semi-final against Australia to rain-ruined heartbreaks and baffling tactical decisions over the years, the team’s misfortunes had started to feel like a curse. But at Lord’s, the team turned the page.
Markram’s performance drew accolades from all corners. Former players called it among the best innings in Test final history. His calm presence at the crease absorbed immense pressure, especially after South Africa were bowled out for a paltry 138 in the first innings. Australia’s pacers, especially Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, had come out firing on all cylinders, and at that point, most pundits saw the match as another inevitable disappointment for the Proteas.
But the South African bowlers had other ideas. Led by Kagiso Rabada, who took five crucial wickets in the first innings, they managed to keep the Australian lead within striking distance. Rabada’s bowling was fiery, accurate, and intelligent—a performance that not only rattled Australia’s top order but also sent a message: this South African team wasn’t here to participate, it was here to win.
Australia posted 207 in their second innings, setting South Africa a tricky chase. The pitch had started to deteriorate, and with the weight of history pressing on their shoulders, it would have been easy for the Proteas to implode. But under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, who himself contributed a steady 47, the team maintained composure.
Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham also played vital supporting roles, absorbing pressure and picking off singles to keep the scoreboard ticking. While Markram anchored the innings, these small partnerships made all the difference. Every run was cheered with nervous applause from the South African fans in the stands—most of whom had grown used to disappointment but dared to believe, just this once, that something magical was unfolding.
One of the more emotionally powerful elements of this triumph was Bavuma’s captaincy. As South Africa’s first Black Test captain, his presence and leadership on such a grand stage symbolised a broader transformation not just within the team, but in the sporting landscape of the country. Bavuma, soft-spoken and stoic, had been under immense scrutiny since his appointment. But his tactics, team spirit, and calm under pressure helped shepherd the side to the ultimate prize in red-ball cricket.
Beyond the field, debates have begun about the fairness and format of the World Test Championship. Critics argue that the qualification process remains flawed, with some teams playing significantly more matches than others during the cycle. South Africa qualified having played fewer Tests compared to England or India, prompting questions about parity. However, few would argue with the result—on the biggest stage, South Africa played the better cricket and deserved their victory.
This win has implications beyond the trophy cabinet. It redefines the team’s relationship with its own history. It’s a signal to a new generation of South African cricketers that the past does not define them, and that grit, patience, and talent can overcome even the heaviest psychological baggage.
The image of Aiden Markram raising his bat toward the sky after reaching his century, surrounded by applause and waving South African flags, may well become an iconic symbol of South African sport. Likewise, the sight of Bavuma lifting the WTC mace at the presentation ceremony will go down as one of the country’s finest sporting moments.
For a team that’s been haunted by ghosts, Lord’s provided an exorcism. No more curses. No more asterisks. South Africa are World Test Champions—and no one can take that away from them.
