South Africa Ended 27 Years ICC Trophy Drought, Beat Australia By 5 Wickets In WTC Final

South Africa conquered the 2023–25 World Test Championship Final, defeating Australia by five wickets on April 14, 2025, at the iconic Lord’s, London. After 27 years, the Proteas finally lifted an ICC trophy, marking a memorable triumph and ending their ICC trophy drought..

Markram’s Heroics Lead the Charge

Opener Aiden Markram was the architect of South Africa’s victory, crafting a match-winning 136 off 207 balls. His composed innings guided the Proteas to their second ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy.

Australia’s First-Innings Struggles

Batting first, Australia managed just 212 runs, with Webster (72) and Smith (66) providing resistance. The South African bowling unit, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49), dismantled the Aussies.

However, South Africa’s response was shaky, folding for 138 runs, undone by an unplayable spell from Pat Cummins (6/28), earning him a spot on the Lord’s honors board.

Australia’s Second Innings Fightback

With a 74-run lead, Australia started confidently but faltered under Rabada’s fiery spell. By the 25th over, they slumped to 73/7, before Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (58)* stitched vital partnerships to push the total to 207. Rabada (4/59) and Lungi Ngidi (3/38) once again stood tall for South Africa.

Proteas Overcome a Challenging Chase

In the pursuit of a 281-run target, South Africa lost Ryan Rickelton early but fought back through Wiaan Mulder (61-run stand) and Temba Bavuma (66-run stand) with Markram. The 30-year-old displayed impeccable stroke selection, anchoring the chase almost till the end. His 136-run masterclass sealed the victory by five wickets, securing South Africa’s place in history, becoming the third team to lift the WTC title.

Man of the Match: Aiden Markram

For his match-winning century, Markram was crowned Man of the Match, becoming only the third player to score a century in a WTC final.