Image Credit: BCCI
South Africa Ends 27-Year ICC Drought with WTC25 Win
South Africa finally shattered their long-standing ICC curse by securing the World Test Championship 2025 title at Lord’s with a commanding five-wicket victory over Australia. This triumph marks the nation’s first major ICC men’s trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy, bringing an emotional end to a 27-year drought.
WTC25 Final
South Africa resumed Day 4 at 213 for 2, needing just 69 more runs to win the match and the championship. What followed was a composed and clinical chase, anchored by Aiden Markram’s brilliant 136. His innings—crafted with poise and purpose—was pivotal in dismantling Australia’s hopes of defending their title. Skipper Temba Bavuma added a crucial 66 despite battling a hamstring injury, showcasing resilience and control at the crease.
The final winning moment came when Kyle Verreynne pushed a boundary through cover, sealing the chase at 282 and sending the dressing room into a frenzy. For a nation often haunted by near-misses in ICC tournaments, this was more than just a win—it was redemption.
Markram Century
Aiden Markram was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning ton. His strokeplay was fluent yet calculated, effectively blunting the Australian attack. Falling just six runs shy of the target, Markram’s innings embodied the maturity and tenacity that South Africa’s batting unit had often lacked in crunch moments.
Bavuma’s Calm Leadership
Temba Bavuma’s leadership was quietly influential. Walking out to bat with physical discomfort, he provided the steadiness needed alongside Markram to keep the chase on track. His approach reflected a broader transformation in the South African Test side—grit without panic, aggression without recklessness.
The victory was not just about the fourth-day chase but about an all-round team effort. Kagiso Rabada’s fiery spells, Marco Jansen’s breakthroughs, and Keshav Maharaj’s late-order control were instrumental in bowling Australia out for modest totals across both innings.
Emotional Release and Historic Significance
The celebrations told the story. Keshav Maharaj was visibly emotional, shedding tears on the outfield. Coach Shukri Conrad embraced players amid cheers and chants, while supporters from all corners of the cricketing world applauded South Africa’s resurgence.
This WTC25 win redefines the legacy of South African Test cricket. It ends years of disappointment and sends a clear message: the Proteas are back, not just as contenders, but as champions. With a renewed sense of purpose and leadership, South Africa’s red-ball future now glimmers with promise.
