History was made at Lord’s on a crisp English afternoon as South Africa clinched the ICC World Test Championship 2025, defeating Australia by five wickets in a high-octane finale. Aiden Markram’s masterful 136 set the stage for the Proteas’ unforgettable triumph, ending a 27-year drought since their last ICC title at the 1998 Champions Trophy.
The win, achieved at the iconic Home of Cricket, not only handed South Africa its first-ever World Test Championship mace but also rewrote the narrative of a team long haunted by near misses on the global stage.
Markram’s Brilliance Anchors Proteas’ Glory
Resuming the final day at 213/2 and needing just 69 more runs, South Africa faced an Australian bowling attack determined to wrest back momentum. Early clouds gave way to clearer skies — and then, to drama.
Pat Cummins made an immediate impact, removing Temba Bavuma (66) in the third over of the day. Mitchell Starc followed up with a fiery spell, dismissing Tristan Stubbs with a sharp delivery that pierced his defense. At 241/4, with the tension mounting, Markram found support in David Bedingham.
Despite a close LBW shout against Bedingham — Australia’s final review lost in vain — the duo remained composed. Markram reached 136 before mistiming a shot off Josh Hazlewood, caught by Travis Head at mid-wicket with only 10 runs left to win.
Verreynne Finishes the Job
In walked Kyle Verreynne, tasked with completing what Markram had so brilliantly built. With 14 runs still required, Australia took the new ball, but it backfired — Markram had already struck Hazlewood for a boundary before his dismissal.
Verreynne ensured there were no further hiccups. In the 84th over, he drove Starc confidently through the covers, sealing victory and triggering euphoric celebrations among South African players, coaches, and the traveling fans.
A Triumph for the Ages
This title is more than just silverware — it’s redemption. For decades, South African cricket has carried the weight of unfulfilled potential in ICC tournaments. But on this day, under the pressure of a tense chase and in the glare of global scrutiny, the Proteas stood tall.
Captain Bavuma hailed the victory as a “moment of immense pride” and credited the team’s preparation, unity, and belief. “This is not just for us — it’s for every South African who has waited for this day,” he said post-match.
A Resilient Australia Falls Short
Australia, to their credit, fought to the end. Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood all bowled with heart and precision, but were undone by a determined South African middle order. Despite dominating much of the World Test Championship cycle, Australia was outplayed when it mattered most.
Legacy at Lord’s
With this win, South Africa joins India and New Zealand as champions in the relatively young but prestigious World Test Championship era. The venue — Lord’s — adds gravitas to their victory, making it one of the most cherished wins in the country’s sporting history.
As cricket lovers around the world reflect on this classic final, one thing is certain: South Africa’s day at Lord’s will be remembered as a defining chapter in the nation’s cricketing journey.
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- My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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