South Africa ended a 27-year wait for an ICC trophy by winning the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2025, defeating Australia by five wickets at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. This victory marked their first major ICC men’s championship since their 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy win, breaking a long-standing trophy drought and shedding the “chokers” tag that had haunted them for years.
The 2025 WTC Final was a historic moment for South African cricket. Chasing a target of 282 runs on the fourth day, the Proteas made light work of the chase, with key contributions from captain Temba Bavuma, who scored 66 runs despite an injured hamstring, and Aiden Markram, who played a crucial innings of 136 runs. Their partnership of 147 runs off 250 balls was pivotal in steering South Africa to victory. Kyle Verreynne sealed the win with the final runs, sparking jubilant celebrations.
Bowling was equally impressive, with Kagiso Rabada taking nine wickets in the match, dismantling the Australian batting lineup and ensuring South Africa maintained control throughout the game. The win was the culmination of a remarkable turnaround, as South Africa had only one win in the first five Tests of the WTC cycle but then won seven consecutive matches to reach the final.
This triumph is significant not only for ending the 27-year ICC trophy drought but also for rewriting South Africa’s cricketing legacy. Over the years, the team had experienced heartbreaks in ICC tournaments, including near misses in World Cups and the infamous 1992 semifinal rain rule incident. The 2025 WTC victory is seen as a defining moment that could change the narrative around South African cricket.
In summary, South Africa’s 2025 ICC World Test Championship victory at Lord’s is a landmark achievement that ended a 27-year wait for an ICC men’s senior trophy, highlighted by stellar performances from Bavuma, Markram, and Rabada, and symbolizing a new era for the Proteas in international cricket
