June 6, 2025 — The stage is set for the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s, where South Africa will make their first-ever appearance against reigning champions Australia.
South Africa were the first team to secure qualification for the WTC Final, finishing the cycle with a points percentage of 69.44%. Australia followed closely behind, earning their second consecutive final berth with 67.54%.
South Africa break new ground in WTC campaign
The Proteas started strong with an innings victory over India at Centurion in December 2023. Although India bounced back to win a low-scoring second Test in Cape Town, South Africa’s WTC push was well underway.
Despite a 2-0 series defeat in New Zealand, they bounced back with a narrow 1-0 win in the West Indies. Keshav Maharaj was instrumental, taking 13 wickets across the two Tests.
The team found their rhythm with a 2-0 series sweep in Bangladesh, featuring standout performances from three debut centurions: Tony de Zorzi (177), Wiaan Mulder, and Tristan Stubbs. A home series win over Sri Lanka, led by captain Temba Bavuma, followed soon after.
South Africa capped their campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Pakistan at home. Ryan Rickelton starred with a double century in the second Test, helping the Proteas clinch a top-two WTC finish.
Australia return to defend their WTC crown
Australia launched their campaign with a dramatic 2-2 Ashes series draw in England, having won the first two Tests before England fought back. They followed it with a clean 3-0 sweep of Pakistan at home.
They were held to a 1-1 series draw by the West Indies, with Shamar Joseph</strong producing a memorable seven-wicket haul in Brisbane to secure a rare Caribbean win in Australia — their first since 1997.
A solid 2-0 series victory over New Zealand set the tone ahead of a crucial five-Test showdown with India. After a loss in Perth, Australia rebounded with a 3-1 series win, with Scott Boland delivering a final-day performance at the SCG that sealed their spot in the WTC Final.
They wrapped up their qualification with a 2-0 win over Sri Lanka, finishing with a points percentage of 67.54%, just behind South Africa and ahead of third-placed India (50.00%).
WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s: A historic showdown awaits
With South Africa aiming for their first ICC Test title and Australia looking to defend their World Test Championship crown, all eyes will be on Lord’s starting June 11.
The final promises to be a clash of form, momentum, and legacy—featuring star-studded lineups from both teams and the culmination of a two-year-long Test journey.
