South Africa Clinches World Test Championship 2025 Title, Defeats Australia in Thrilling Final Chase
On June 14, 2025, South Africa etched its name in cricket history by winning the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 title, defeating Australia by five wickets in a nail-biting final at Lord’s. Chasing 282 in the fourth innings, the Proteas ended a 27-year ICC trophy drought, marking their first global title since 1998. Aiden Markram’s match-defining 136 and Temba Bavuma’s gritty 66, despite a hamstring injury, powered South Africa to victory, while Kagiso Rabada’s 9/110 sealed Australia’s fate in their first ICC final loss in 15 years.
World Test Championship 2025: A Historic Chase at the Home of Cricket
South Africa’s triumph at Lord’s was a testament to their resilience, silencing the long-standing “chokers” tag. Markram’s century earned him a spot on the Lord’s Honours Board, while Bavuma’s leadership under pressure drew widespread praise. The victory sparked celebrations across the cricketing world, with fans and legends alike hailing the Proteas’ monumental achievement.
Cricket Fraternity Reacts to South Africa’s World Test Championship 2025 Glory
The cricket fraternity erupted in celebration, with players, former captains, and commentators sharing their admiration for South Africa’s feat. Here’s what they had to say:
- Shoaib Akhtar (former Pakistan pacer): “Bavuma & his men created history at Lords. Amazing scenes!”
- Ian Bishop (former West Indies cricketer): “One of the most phenomenally responsible, nerveless 4th innings centuries in the game from Aiden Markram. Fitting that the former ICCU19 World Cup winning captain & (K G Rabada) helps guide Temba Bavuma’s team to the Nation’s greatest cricketing moment.”
- AB de Villiers (former South African batter): “Congratulations @ProteasMenCSA. Fantastic win and so well played! Hats off to Markram for that match-winning century, and Temba for leading with such ice and fire all through.”
- Sachin Tendulkar (Indian cricket legend): “Test cricket continues to weave its magic. In a final where every session had its own story, @ProteasMenCSA found calm in the storm. Markram’s composure and Bavuma’s grit under pressure stood tall in the fourth innings.”
- Chris Gayle (former West Indies batter): “Masterful Markram! Great win by South Africa led by Temba Bavuma. This was a great ad for test cricket.”
- Faf du Plessis (former South African captain): “What a moment for South African cricket! So proud of this team. Markram and Bavuma, you’ve made us all believe again.”
- Ricky Ponting (former Australian captain): “South Africa deserved this. Markram’s knock was exceptional, and Bavuma led from the front. Australia will feel this one.”
- Kagiso Rabada (South African pacer): “This is for every South African who’s ever dreamed of this moment. We’ve carried the weight of history, but today we lifted the mace instead.”
- Michael Vaughan (former England captain): “South Africa have silenced the doubters. What a chase at Lord’s! Aiden Markram’s 136 is one of the great Test innings.”
- Dale Steyn (former South African pacer): “YESSSSS! Proteas, you’ve done it! Markram, Bavuma, Rabada – heroes! This is the day we’ve all waited for.”
- Virat Kohli (former Indian captain): “Huge congratulations to South Africa! Markram’s innings was pure class, and Bavuma led brilliantly.”
A Turning Point for South African Cricket
The win was a watershed moment, erasing years of heartbreak for South Africa in ICC events. Ashwell Prince, the team’s batting coach, had predicted the significance, stating post-match, “This is massive for our country. We’ve shed the ‘chokers’ tag today.” The victory also highlighted the enduring appeal of Test cricket, with the cricketing world lauding the Proteas for their purpose, passion, and belief.
What’s Next for South Africa?
With the World Test Championship 2025 title in their hands, South Africa now looks to build on this momentum. Upcoming rule changes in ODIs, such as the two-ball rule until the 34th over and mandatory team compositions, will also keep the cricketing world buzzing as teams adapt to new challenges starting June 17, 2025.
South Africa’s WTC triumph is not just a win for the team but a celebration of resilience and the spirit of Test cricket. As the Proteas bask in their hard-earned glory, the cricketing world watches with renewed admiration for a team that dared to dream big—and delivered.
Published on June 15, 2025, at 06:34 PM IST