London, June 14, 2025 — England’s Lord’s Cricket Ground witnessed a momentous victory today as South Africa claimed their maiden ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title, defeating defending champions Australia by five wickets. The defining performance came from Aiden Markram, whose resolute 136‑run innings underpinned a stirring run‑chase and laid to rest decades of near‑misses in global finals .
South Africa, chasing 282 for victory, stumbled early to 30‑for‑4. Yet, Markram’s serenity at the crease, backed by captain Temba Bavuma (66 not out), saw them overturn the deficit. The duo put on a century‑ending partnership of 147, firmly swinging momentum their way .
Markram’s captaincy‑level innings included 14 boundaries and came alongside a remarkable bowling effort from Kagiso Rabada, who secured nine wickets over the match, cementing South Africa’s balance between attack and defence .
The winning moment arrived when Kyle Verreynne drove Mitchell Starc through the covers, triggering jubilant celebrations and crowning the Proteas as WTC champions .
Veteran batsman Graeme Smith, appearing as a pundit, praised the Proteas’ remarkable batting resilience against a formidable Australian attack . South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also extended his congratulations, calling it a victory “for the nation” .
This triumph, South Africa’s second major ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy, ends a 27‑year title drought and sheds the “chokers” tag long affixed to their teams .
