Lord’s, London – June 14, 2025
The stage is set. The history books are open. And South Africa stands just 69 runs away from achieving what they’ve been chasing for over three decades — their first-ever ICC trophy. The ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia resumes in just a few hours on Day 4, and the Proteas are tantalizingly close to ending their long-standing trophy drought.
But can they hold their nerve?
A Painful History: South Africa and the ICC Trophy Curse
Since returning to international cricket in 1991, South Africa has fielded some of the most talented players the game has ever seen — from Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers to Dale Steyn and Hashim Amla. Yet, despite their immense strength, an ICC title has always eluded them.
Here’s a painful look back at their near-misses:
- 1999 Cricket World Cup (England): Semi-final heartbreak in a tied match against Australia — remembered for the tragic Allan Donald run-out.
- 2002 Champions Trophy (Sri Lanka): Eliminated at the group stage, despite being favorites.
- 2015 Cricket World Cup (Australia/New Zealand): A rain-affected semi-final loss to New Zealand, despite dominating most of the tournament.
- 2023 ODI World Cup (India): Another semi-final exit, this time against Australia, after a near-perfect league stage.
- T20 World Cups (2007–2024): No titles despite several strong campaigns.
For over 30 years, South Africa has carried the unfair tag of “chokers” — a label that fans desperately want to bury once and for all.
The Current Situation: Proteas in Control
After a see-saw battle across the first three days at Lord’s, South Africa closed Day 3 at 213/2, chasing 282 for victory. Aiden Markram is unbeaten on 102, having bounced back from a first-innings duck. Beside him stands a gritty Temba Bavuma on 65 not out, batting through visible discomfort from a hamstring strain.
Together, the pair has stitched a brilliant 143-run stand and brought South Africa to the brink of cricketing immortality.
Just 69 more runs. 8 wickets in hand. One dream.
What South Africa Needs to Do Today
With pressure mounting, South Africa must:
- Start positively – The first 10 overs will be crucial. Australia will go all-in with Starc and Cummins.
- Shield Bavuma – Given his injury, Markram may need to farm the strike early.
- Ignore the past – The ghosts of 1999 and 2015 can only haunt them if they let them. Today is a new opportunity.
The mental game will be just as important as the physical one.
Will Australia Spoil the Party?
Australia, the defending WTC champions, have been here before. They’ve pulled off some of cricket’s most dramatic comebacks. And with players like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon, they have the weapons to create chaos.
However, a major blow hit the Aussies when Steve Smith dislocated his finger during Day 3 and has been ruled out of fielding duties. That weakens their slip cordon and overall morale.
Why This Trophy Matters More Than Ever
If South Africa wins today, it would:
- Be their first-ever ICC trophy in men’s cricket.
- End a 27-year narrative of heartbreak and “choking.”
- Inspire an entire generation of young cricketers across the nation.
- Prove that Test cricket still rewards long-term vision and discipline.
This win could redefine South African cricket, both emotionally and historically.
Final Word: Will the Curse Finally Break?
South Africa couldn’t ask for a better setup. A manageable target. Set batsmen. A weakened opponent. And the fire of 30 years of frustration fueling them.
The big question: Can they finish the job?
In a few hours, the world will find out whether South Africa will finally lift an ICC trophy, or if the Australian fightback will script another twist in this gripping final.
Stay tuned for updates on WTC Final 2025 — and possibly, for cricketing history to be made.