WTC Final 2025: Markram and Bavuma Power South Africa to Historic Victory Over Australia at Lord’s

South Africa have finally claimed their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title, defeating Australia by 5 wickets in a thrilling final at Lord’s. This win also marks South Africa’s first senior ICC trophy since 1998, ending a decades-long wait filled with heartbreaks and near-misses.

🌟 Aiden Markram’s Heroic Century

Chasing a challenging target of 282 at the iconic Lord’s, Aiden Markram stood tall, scoring a sensational 136 off 207 balls, guiding South Africa within touching distance of glory. His gritty innings, filled with determination and emotion, was only the fourth century in a successful fourth-innings chase at Lord’s.

Markram, overcome with emotion after reaching his hundred, admitted:

“I had a bit of time to look around… and I was, like, ‘Yes, we’re here now.’ Then the hundred happened and a couple of tears that I was trying to fight back leaked out.”

He was eventually dismissed with just 6 runs needed, but by then, the job was nearly done.

💪 Bavuma’s Grit Under Pressure

Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s skipper, played through a hamstring strain to post a crucial 66-run knock. Despite being advised to retire, he chose to bat on, valuing his presence alongside Markram over physical pain.

“I didn’t want to consider myself not being there with Aiden during that key moment,” Bavuma said.
“I felt I was good enough to do the job, at least to support him.”

His decision paid off, as the duo added a match-turning 147-run partnership, softening the Australian bowling and swinging momentum in South Africa’s favor.

🏏 Final Moments – WTC 2025 Glory Secured

Markram fell with 6 runs left. Enter David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne, who calmly guided South Africa home shortly after lunch on Day 5. Verreynne recalled joking with Bedingham the night before:

“We said, ‘I hope we don’t end up batting tomorrow.’ But fate had other plans.”

The match concluded with joyous scenes as South African fans erupted in celebration across Lord’s.

🎙️ Emotional Reflections From the Heroes

Markram, reflecting on the ghosts of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, said:

“I thought a lot about the T20 final last night and how hopeless I felt after getting out. I didn’t want to feel that again.”

Bavuma, often a target of racial bias despite his outstanding average over the past three years, used this opportunity to define his legacy:

“To be seen as someone who has done something that the country has wanted… that will make me walk with my chest out.”

His brave decision to play through injury wasn’t just tactical—it was symbolic.

🍻 Post-Match Celebrations and Team Unity

South Africa’s post-match celebration was as iconic as the victory itself. Players re-entered the field after sunset, carrying beer bottles and champagne, and broke into an emotional team song. The stands were empty, the ICC branding gone, but the moment was eternal.

Bavuma added:

“This is what connects us. We’ve always wanted this moment. I hope this is just the beginning.”

📊 WTC Final 2025 Match Summary

• Venue: Lord’s, London
• Match Result: South Africa beat Australia by 5 wickets
• Target: 282
• Key Performers:
  • Aiden Markram: 136 (Player of the Match)
  • Temba Bavuma: 66 (despite injury)
  • Pat Cummins: 1 crucial wicket early on Day 5

📈 Why This Win Matters

This WTC final wasn’t just about cricket. It was about legacy, leadership, resilience, and national pride. For a nation starved of ICC silverware, this South African Test triumph at Lord’s in 2025 is a story that will echo through generations.

Whether you’re a fan, a cricket historian, or a future cricketer, this victory is a reminder that belief, character, and unity can overcome even the harshest odds.