South Africa finally clinch First-Ever WTC Title, beating Australia after 27 Years

LONDON – South Africa made history at Lord’s Cricket Ground as they clinched their first-ever ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title, defeating defending champions Australia by five wickets.

This monumental win also marks South Africa’s first major ICC trophy since their 1998 Champions Trophy triumph. Chasing a target of 282, the Proteas resumed the final day of the match at 213 for 2, needing just 69 runs for victory. Overnight batters Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma began cautiously, but Australia struck early when Bavuma was caught behind for 66 in the third over of the day.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 🏆🇿🇦

South Africa take home the 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐞 👏#WTC25 #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/Yy4C4AQEO7

— ICC (@ICC) June 14, 2025

Markram, who anchored the innings masterfully, held firm despite wickets falling around him. He added small but vital partnerships—first with Tristan Stubbs, who scored 8, and later with David Bedingham, who played a calm hand under pressure. Markram eventually fell for a match-winning 136 off 207 balls, an innings decorated with 14 boundaries.

With just six runs required at Markram’s dismissal, Bedingham and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne completed the chase, sparking scenes of celebration among the South African players and fans.

Earlier in the match, Australia posted scores of 212 and 207 in their two innings. Mitchell Starc was the top-scorer in the second innings with an unbeaten 58, while Beau Webster had led the way in the first with a brisk 72. South Africa’s bowlers were in fine form, led by Kagiso Rabada who took five wickets in the first innings, with support from Marco Jansen.

South Africa’s own first innings was less impressive, as they were bowled out for 138. David Bedingham was the top scorer with 45. Pat Cummins starred with the ball for Australia, taking 6 wickets in a fiery spell.

Despite the early deficit, the Proteas bounced back strongly with both bat and ball to seal a landmark victory.

The triumph is a landmark moment for South African cricket, ending a 27-year wait for a major ICC title and establishing them as the new champions of Test cricket on the sport’s most historic stage.