World Test Championship Final 2025
South Africa etched an unforgettable saga in cricket history, claiming their maiden World Test Championship title with a thrilling five-wicket win over Australia at Lord’s from June 11–14, 2025. Chasing a target of 282, the Proteas forged a monumental partnership, progressing from 213‑2 to victory, marking the second-highest successful chase on the hallowed turf. Leading from the front were opener Aiden Markram, whose majestic 136 anchored the innings and earned him Player of the Match honours, and captain Temba Bavuma, whose gritty 66—despite a hamstring injury—laid the groundwork for triumph. The emotional denouement came when Kyle Verreynne drove the winning run into the covers, sealing a victory that shattered South Africa’s “chokers” stigma and ended a 27‑year ICC title drought.
The road to the trophy was a testament to collective brilliance. Kagiso Rabada spearheaded with nine wickets in the match, dismantling Australia’s batting in the first innings. South Africa, buoyed by eight straight Test wins, displayed unwavering resolve on a flat pitch that had initially favoured the Australians. As the final wicket fell, Lord’s roared in celebration and the Proteas lifted the ICC mace high—ushering in a powerful chapter for South African cricket and uniting a nation through sporting glory.
Bavuma the Brave: Captaincy That Rewrote History at Lord’s
Temba Bavuma’s captaincy during the 2025 WTC Final has drawn widespread acclaim for its blend of quiet dignity and unyielding tenacity. Battling a hamstring injury, he led from the front with an invaluable 66 in the chase, forging a pivotal 147‑run partnership with Aiden Markram—an act both courageous and strategic that anchored South Africa’s historic win. His calm demeanor under pressure—“Zen-like,” as described—helped steady a side threatened by early stumbles and silenced long-standing critics of South Africa’s playoff temperament. Even opponents like Pat Cummins acknowledged Bavuma’s leadership, stating the Proteas were “deserving champions” under his captaincy. Cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and AB de Villiers praised Bavuma’s blend of grit and grace on the world stage, calling it a moment that “turned hope into history”. Australian great Matthew Hayden lauded him as “a champion effort,” highlighting how he pressed on despite injury to steer the team forward. Under Bavuma’s leadership, South Africa not only ended a 27‑year ICC drought but also shattered the “chokers” label, rewriting their legacy at Lord’s and beyond.
Cummins 6-wicket Haul Fails To Stop the Proteas
Pat Cummins delivered a fiery spell in the first innings of the WTC Final 2025, claiming an impressive 6-wicket haul to dismantle South Africa’s top order. His relentless pace and precision exposed early vulnerabilities in the Proteas’ batting. Cummins struck key blows, including the prized wickets of Bavuma and de Zorzi, swinging momentum Australia’s way. His 6 for 61 was a masterclass in Test match fast bowling at Lord’s. Despite his brilliance, it wasn’t enough to stop South Africa’s historic comeback win.
