The “chokers” label that plagued South African cricket for almost three decades was buried at last at Lord’s on Saturday. South Africa beat Australia by five wickets to secure the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final, their first global trophy since the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy.
Temba Bavuma’s team came out on top of pressure, injury, and a world-class Australian attack to run down 282 in the fourth innings. Aiden Markram spearheaded the effort with a magnificent 136, ably aided by a gutsy 66 from Bavuma.
Their unlikely partnership, forged in the fire of determination and resolve, tamed the much-dreaded quartet of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.
South Africa: A Long-Awaited Triumph
This win puts an end to South Africa’s agonizing record of close calls in ICC tournaments, including semi-final losses in the 1999, 2007, 2015, and 2023 World Cups. It also mellows the disappointment of the 2024 T20 World Cup final defeat against India.
South Africa last experienced ICC success 27 years ago. In 2025, they broke along with RCB and other teams the long title droughts, demonstrating this is a year of redemption for cricket.
How the Match Unfolded
Once Bavuma had won the toss and chosen to bowl on overcast London weather, Kagiso Rabada tore through the Australian side, claiming vital wickets to leave them bowled out for 212. Steve Smith’s (66) and Beau Webster’s (72) half-centuries provided the Aussies with some dignity.
South Africa struggled with the bat in reply. Pat Cummins bowled a six-wicket masterclass, leaving the Proteas bowled out for only 138 and handing Australia a 74-run advantage.
The momentum shifted once more in the third innings. Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi tore through Australia’s top and middle order, leaving them at 73/7. Mitchell Starc (58*) remained unbeaten, establishing precious partnerships with Alex Carey and Josh Hazlewood. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood added 59 runs in the last wicket to see Australia through to 207, making a target of 282.
Proteas Seal the Win on Day 4
Pursuing the aggregate, South Africa lost early wickets, Starc sending Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder back. Markram later steadied the innings with a patient century. Bavuma, hampered by a hamstring injury, showed incredible bravery as he hit loose balls to the boundary and refused to walk off injured.
South Africa entered Day 4 needing 69 runs with eight wickets in hand. Bavuma (66) and Tristan Stubbs (8) fell to Cummins and Starc, but Markram and David Bedingham (21*) stayed firm, guiding the Proteas to a five-wicket win in the first session of Day 4.
As the winning run was hit, the South African dressing room exploded. The crowd at Lord’s witnessed history as the Proteas, often the underdogs of world cricket, finally held their heads high.
