SA vs AUS, WTC Final: South Africa Beat Australia – A Historic Triumph at Lord’s

In a remarkable development, South Africa won their maiden ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title by defeating Australia in the 2023-25 final at Lord's, London. The win not only ended a 27-year wait for a major ICC trophy but also marked a significant milestone in South African cricket history.

🏏 The Road to the Final

South Africa entered the WTC Final as the second-ranked team, earning 100 points in the league stage with a win percentage of 69.44%. Their journey was characterised by impressive performances, including a series win against Pakistan and a series win over Sri Lanka. Led by Temba Bavuma, the team displayed resilience and tactical prowess.

Australia, the defending champions, secured their place in the final with a series win over India in Sydney. Led by skipper Pat Cummins, they aimed to defend their title and continue their dominance in Test cricket.

🏟️ The Historic Final at Lord’s

The final began on June 11, 2025, at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground. Australia batted first and scored 212 and 207 in their two innings. South Africa made 138 in their first innings and then chased down the target of 282 to score 282/5 and win by five wickets.

Key Performances

Aiden Markram: The opener played a key role by scoring 136 runs in the second innings. His innings was crucial in South Africa's victory.

Temba Bavuma: The captain contributed a crucial 66 runs, led from the front and showed composure under pressure.

Kagiso Rabada: The pacer's performances throughout the tournament were key to South Africa's success, delivering breakthroughs at crucial moments.

Despite Australia's spirited effort, which included a brilliant innings from Travis Head, they fell short, allowing South Africa to win the championship.

🏆 Results and reactions

The win was hailed as a historic achievement for South African cricket, ending their long wait for an ICC title. The team's resilience and determination were lauded by fans and analysts alike.

In contrast, Australia's performance was met with disappointment. The team faced criticism for their batting failures, with key players like Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green managing to score just 49 runs in two innings. The absence of Steve Smith, who suffered a horrific compound dislocation of his finger while trying to take a catch, further weakened Australia's performance. Captain Pat Cummins hinted at major changes ahead of the upcoming Ashes and called for a possible reset for the new Test cycle.

📅 Final Timeline

June 11, 2025: Australia bat first and score 212.

June 12, 2025: South Africa score 138 in their first innings.

June 13, 2025: Australia score 207 in their second innings.

June 14, 2025: South Africa score 282/5 chasing a target of 282 and win by five wickets.

🏅 Final Thoughts

South Africa's victory in the final of the 2025 World Test Championship was a testament to their evolution and resilience in Test cricket. The team's performance not only earned them their first ICC title in 27 years but also marked the beginning of a new era in South African cricket. Celebrating this historic achievement, the Proteas have set a new benchmark for excellence in the longest format of the game.