In a historic victory, South Africa broke a 27-year ICC trophy drought by defeating Australia in a thrilling five-wicket win at Lord’s to claim the ICC World Test Championship 2025. Aiden Markram’s heroic century (136) guided the Proteas to glory, securing their first-ever World Test Championship title and ending a long wait since their last ICC triumph in the 1998 Champions Trophy.
Australia fought hard until the final moments, dismissing Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs before Markram fell just six runs short of victory. However, David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne held their nerve, with Verreynne hitting the winning runs to spark wild celebrations among South African fans at the iconic Home of Cricket.
A Tense Final Day Unfolds
Starting the day at 213/2, needing 69 more runs, South Africa benefited from clearing skies after early morning clouds. But Australia struck immediately, with Pat Cummins removing Bavuma (66) in the third over. Stubbs survived an LBW review, while Markram kept the scoreboard ticking, inching closer to the target.
Mitchell Starc then delivered a brilliant delivery to dismiss Stubbs, leaving South Africa at 241/4. Another close LBW appeal against Bedingham was overturned, costing Australia their final review. Markram and Bedingham then steadied the chase with composed batting, bringing South Africa within 20 runs of victory.
The Dramatic Final Moments
With just 14 runs needed, Australia took the new ball, but Markram smashed Josh Hazlewood for a boundary off the first delivery. However, he fell shortly after, caught by Travis Head at mid-wicket. Verreynne stepped in and sealed the win in the 84th over with a confident drive off Starc, etching South Africa’s name into cricketing history.
This victory marks a monumental achievement for South African cricket, with the team’s resilience and skill ensuring their place among the sport’s elite. The triumph at Lord’s will be remembered for generations as one of the nation’s greatest sporting moments.