WTC 2025 Final, Day 4: Australia VS South Africa

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 South Africa Breaks 27-Year Drought: A Historic Win Over Australia in WTC Final 2025


Cricket fans witnessed history at Lord’s as South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets to claim their first-ever World Test Championship (WTC) title. After 27 long years of waiting for an ICC trophy, the Proteas finally shattered their knockout curse in dramatic fashion. The hero? Aiden Markram, whose magnificent 136-run knock will be remembered for generations.

A Dream Chase at the Home of Cricket

Chasing 282 in the fourth innings at Lord’s is never easy, especially against a bowling attack featuring Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. But South Africa, led by Markram and captain Temba Bavuma, showed nerves of steel.

The match was finely balanced when South Africa resumed on Day 4 at 213/2, needing just 69 more runs. However, Australia struck early—Bavuma (66) fell to Cummins, and Tristan Stubbs (8) was cleaned up by a Starc ripper. But Markram, calm and composed, anchored the innings alongside David Bedingham (21*).

With just six runs needed, Markram was caught at midwicket off Hazlewood, walking off to a standing ovation from the Lord’s crowd. A few balls later, Kyle Verreynne sealed the win, sparking wild celebrations as South Africa ended their 27-year ICC trophy drought.

Markram’s Masterclass: The Knock of a Lifetime

Aiden Markram’s 136 wasn’t just a century—it was a statement. Facing 207 balls, he handled Australia’s fierce pace attack with precision. His partnership with Bavuma (147 runs for the third wicket) broke Australia’s spirit on Day 3.

What made his innings special?

Patience against pace: He left well, defended solidly, and punished loose deliveries.

Neutralizing Nathan Lyon: The spinner, usually Australia’s trump card, went wicketless—a rare failure.

Mental toughness: After falling short in previous ICC events, Markram delivered when it mattered most.

Australia’s Missed Opportunities

Australia had their chances but couldn’t capitalize:

  • Steve Smith’s dropped catch (and finger injury) off Bavuma early in his innings proved costly.
  • Wasted reviews—Cummins burned two in quick succession, leaving them helpless in crucial moments.
  • Starc’s heroic 58 in the second innings* gave Australia hope, but their batting collapses (212 & 206) hurt them.

South Africa’s Redemption Arc

For years, South Africa was labeled "chokers" in ICC events—losing five World Cup semi-finals (three to Australia) and the 2024 T20 World Cup final. But this win changes everything.

Key Takeaways:
 Kagiso Rabada (9 wickets in the match) was relentless, dismantling Australia twice.
 Bavuma’s leadership—despite a hamstring injury, he fought hard.
 Team resilience—from a 74-run first-innings deficit, they clawed back brilliantly.

What This Win Means for Cricket

First WTC title for South Africa—adding to their legacy as a Test powerhouse.

Australia’s dominance challenged—after winning the 2023 WTC, they fell short this time.

Test cricket’s revival—a thrilling final proving why the longest format still reigns supreme.

Final Thoughts: A Victory for the Ages

South Africa’s win wasn’t just about lifting a trophy—it was about overcoming years of heartbreak. For Markram, Bavuma, and Rabada, this was redemption. For fans, it was a reminder that persistence pays off. As the Proteas celebrated at Lord’s, one thing was clear: Test cricket is alive, and so is the spirit of the underdog.

Australia

  • 1st Innings: 212 all out (Beau Webster 72, Steve Smith 66; Kagiso Rabada 5/51)
  • 2nd Innings: 206 all out (Mitchell Starc 58*, Alex Carey 43; Rabada 4/59, Lungi Ngidi 3/38)

South Africa

  • 1st Innings: 138 all out (David Bedingham 45, Bavuma 36; Cummins 6/28)

2nd Innings: 282/5 (Markram 136, Bavuma 66;  Starc 3/66



What did you think of the WTC Final? Was this South Africa’s greatest win? Share your thoughts in the comments!

 

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