London, 16 June 2025 — South Africa clinched their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title with a five-wicket win over Australia at Lord’s, ending a 27-year wait for a global ICC trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
Aiden Markram’s magnificent 136 anchored the chase of 282, with David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne sealing the win in the final session on Day Four in front of a jubilant South African crowd at the Home of Cricket.
Markram leads the charge
Resuming on 213/2, South Africa needed 69 more runs to win. Early tension crept in as Temba Bavuma was dismissed by Pat Cummins for 66 and Tristan Stubbs fell to Mitchell Starc. But Markram’s fluency and control kept the Proteas in command.
Australia fight hard but fall short
Despite Mitchell Starc’s 3/66 and Pat Cummins’ early strike, Australia couldn’t defend a modest total. The decision to burn their last review proved costly when Bedingham survived an LBW shout off Starc.
Verreynne finishes in style
With just six runs needed, Markram fell to Josh Hazlewood, caught by Travis Head. Verreynne then joined Bedingham and drove Starc through the covers for the winning boundary, sparking scenes of wild celebration and historic jubilation.
Rabada the match-winner with the ball
Kagiso Rabada was instrumental, claiming 9 wickets across both innings (5/51 and 4/59). Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi provided valuable support with the ball to bowl Australia out for 212 and 207.
Score Summary
Australia 212 & 207 | South Africa 138 & 282/5
- Top Performers: Aiden Markram 136, Kagiso Rabada 9 wickets, Mitchell Starc 3/66
- Result: South Africa won by five wickets
The triumph cements South Africa’s place in Test cricket history and sets a new benchmark for the next WTC cycle.
