South Africa Clinches World Test Championship Victory, Defeats Australia in Thrilling Final
South Africa ended a 27-year wait for a major ICC title by defeating Australia by five wickets in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s on 14 June 2025. In front of a packed crowd at Lord’s, the Proteas chased down a target of 282, marking the joint-second highest fourth-innings run chase in the ground’s Test history.
For those following insights from bet experts, South Africa’s growing confidence in red-ball cricket had been highlighted as a factor to watch leading into the final.
Composed Chase Anchored by Markram
Resuming day four on 213 for 2, Aiden Markram continued his measured innings, eventually falling for 136 with just six runs required. His performance, built on discipline and tempo control, was central to South Africa’s pursuit.
Partnering with him for much of the innings, Temba Bavuma contributed 66 before being dismissed early on the final morning. The pair added 143 for the third wicket, effectively sealing control of the match by mid-session.
Final Moments at Lord’s
The final runs came quickly, with Kyle Verreynne punching a full delivery through the covers to take South Africa over the line at 282 for 5. The finish capped a fourth-innings performance defined by patience and clarity rather than risk. Australia, defending a modest total of 207 from their second innings, were left with little margin for error after conceding 138 in the first.
Match Summary
|
Detail |
Information |
|
Match |
ICC World Test Championship Final |
|
Dates |
11–14 June 2025 |
|
Venue |
Lord’s Cricket Ground, London |
|
Result |
South Africa won by 5 wickets |
|
Target |
282 in the 4th innings |
|
South Africa |
282/5 (Markram 136, Bavuma 66) |
|
Australia |
138 & 207 |
|
Winning Run |
Kyle Verreynne – cover drive for four |
|
Historic Note |
Joint 2nd-highest successful chase at Lord’s |
Context and Significance
This win marked South Africa’s first ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy, ending years of near misses at major events. Often labelled as underperformers in the knockout stages, the Proteas reversed that narrative with composure across four days at Lord’s.
Captain Temba Bavuma and head coach Shukri Conrad praised the team’s discipline and mental resilience, crediting a core group that had matured across recent series.
Long-Awaited Global Triumph
South Africa had previously fallen short in nine ICC semifinals or finals since 1992. This victory decisively ended that streak and placed them alongside India and New Zealand as winners of the Test Championship.
The triumph also capped a strong 12-month period in red-ball cricket, during which South Africa extended their winning streak to eight Tests, including away wins in Pakistan and New Zealand – a run that has attracted attention across the best new online bookmakers offering odds on international cricket.
Reaction Back Home
The result was met with celebration across South Africa. Footage of fans gathering at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome the team, as well as emotional moments in the dressing room, including Keshav Maharaj visibly moved, highlighted the national significance of the victory.
What’s Next
With limited home Test fixtures until 2026, South Africa will focus on sustaining momentum across formats. But the confidence gained at Lord’s extends beyond the result itself, it reflects a shift in belief and consistency.
“We don’t feel like underdogs, and we believe we are one of the top teams in the world.” – Shukri Conrad, head coach
Conrad also pointed to the knock-on benefits of Test stability, noting that a strong red-ball side elevates performance across all formats. With their long-awaited title now secured, South Africa have re-established themselves among the elite in global cricket.
