South Africa ended their long ICC title drought by winning the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25. After 27 years without an ICC trophy, the South African cricket team finally claimed a major international title. The Proteas defeated Australia in the WTC final held at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
South Africa excelled with both bat and ball, securing a five-wicket victory. Their comeback after a tough first innings was particularly impressive.
Choosing to field first, bowlers put in a stellar performance. Kagiso Rabada stood out by taking five wickets, helping to dismiss Australia for just 212 runs. Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) were Australia’s top scorers.
However, struggled with the bat initially, being bowled out for only 138 runs, with no batsman reaching a half-century. Pat Cummins led the Australian bowling attack brilliantly, taking six wickets and giving his team a 74-run first-innings lead.
The South African bowlers bounced back strongly, dismissing Australia again for 207 runs and setting a target of 282 runs for their side. On favorable batting conditions during days three and four, the Proteas made the chase look straightforward.
Aiden Markram scored a brilliant 136, one of the best centuries of his career, effectively taking control of the match. Captain Temba Bavuma supported him well with 66 runs, and together they put on a 147-run partnership for the third wicket. Wiaan Mulder (27) and David Bedingham (21 not out) also contributed valuable runs as successfully chased the target with five wickets to spare.
Fans on X React as South Africa Defeat Australia to Win ICC WTC 2023-25
After South Africa secured a five-wicket victory over Australia in the final to claim the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, fans on X (formerly Twitter) flooded the platform with reactions. They praised the Temba Bavuma-led team for their outstanding performance with both bat and ball, sharing joyful and celebratory responses.
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) June 14, 2025
Masterful Markram! Great win by South Africa led by Temba Bavuma. This was a great ad for test cricket. Congratulations to ICC World Test Champions South Africa!@Dafabet
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) June 14, 2025
Temba Bavuma-led South Africa has created history. Rabada was brilliant. Aiden Markram has not only engraved his name on the Lord’s Honours Board but also in the history of South African cricket.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 14, 2025
The best thing about time is : it's Changes 🫶🏻🤧
— Doc. Landon Pandey (@landon7221) June 14, 2025
Congratulations SOUTH AFRICA
Well-done Aiden Markram #SAvsAUS #WtcFinal2025 #AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/qlfpRzMoKf
Lord Temba ''Don John" Bavuma
— aman. (@howuxdoinn) June 14, 2025
saved humanity today #WtcFinal2025 pic.twitter.com/GMGGZnWOtt
This Time for Africa 🇿🇦#WTCFinal2025 pic.twitter.com/OJ36FSYMlP
— James Stanly (@JamesStanly) June 14, 2025
