In one of the most dramatic finales in Test cricket history, South Africa pulled off a sensational five-wicket victory over Australia in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, ending a 27-year-long wait for a senior men’s ICC title. In a match that ebbed and flowed like a gripping drama, the Proteas showed resilience, composure, and belief to script an unforgettable comeback that will be remembered for generations.
After winning the toss under cloudy skies, South Africa opted to bowl first—a decision that paid off immediately. Kagiso Rabada led the charge with a fiery spell, taking 5/51, while Marco Jansen chipped in with 3/49 to bundle Australia out for 221. Steve Smith (66) and debutant Beau Webster (72) were the only batters to stand tall against South Africa’s relentless pace battery.
However, Australia roared back classically. Pat Cummins produced a spell of sheer brilliance, claiming 6/28 to dismiss South Africa for just 138, handing his side a massive 83-run lead. With the momentum firmly in their corner, Australia looked poised to tighten its grip.
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In their second innings, Australia posted 207, thanks to Alex Carey’s fluent 43, setting South Africa a challenging target of 282. Rabada (4/59) and Lungi Ngidi (3/38) again kept the Proteas in the hunt, never allowing Australia to break free.
What followed was a masterclass in fourth-innings batting. Aiden Markram delivered one of the finest knocks in WTC final history, anchoring the chase with a sublime 136 off 207 balls. Captain Temba Bavuma’s gritty 66 added the steel South Africa needed. Together, their 143-run stand broke Australia’s spirit, and despite a few nervy moments, the Proteas cruised to 282/5 to clinch the trophy early on Day 4.
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This is more than just a win—it is redemption. A nation haunted by years of heartbreak finally found its moment of glory. Twitter erupted in celebration, with fans, former players, and legends lauding South Africa’s resilience. The win not only ended a two-decade-long ICC title drought but also signalled a new era for South African cricket—fearless, united, and finally, champions.
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 🏆🇿🇦
South Africa take home the 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐞 👏#WTC25 #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/Yy4C4AQEO7
— ICC (@ICC) June 14, 2025
🏆 CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!🏆
South Africa beat Australia by 5 wickets to win the ICC World Test Championship!
A huge moment for the Proteas and every fan who’s backed them all the way 🇿🇦🔥#TeamSA #forMyCountry #WTCFinal #ProteasWTCFinal pic.twitter.com/es7RvJEZoq
— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) June 14, 2025
South Africa win the World Test Championship! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/4g0i9Gi5nM
— Lord’s Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) June 14, 2025
Congratulations @ProteasMenCSA
Fantastic win and so well played! Hats off to Markram for that match winning century, and Temba for leading with such ice and fire all through👏🏻🏆What an incredible experience of watching this beautiful format of the game! The built up drama,… pic.twitter.com/NVBR3apmKo
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) June 14, 2025
Test cricket continues to weave its magic.
In a final where every session had its own story, @ProteasMenCSA found calm in the storm. Markram’s composure and Bavuma’s grit under pressure stood tall in the fourth innings. A century that will be remembered, a partnership that…
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 14, 2025
🏆 CHAMPIONS AT LAST! 🇿🇦
After 27 years of heartbreak, South Africa have done it — the ICC trophy drought is OVER!From being perennial contenders to finally becoming champions, this is more than a win — it’s history reclaimed! 💚💛
Take a bow, Proteas. The wait ends, the roar… pic.twitter.com/0jxQSa3mcl
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 14, 2025
South Africa are World Test Champions! #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/QIQgcGGI0Y
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 14, 2025
🟡 Australia beat India to win the Cricket World Cup
🔵 India beat South Africa to win the T20 World Cup
🟢 South Africa beat Australia to win the World Test Championship pic.twitter.com/ANqVKNkGgt— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) June 14, 2025
Well done South Africa. And this is cool, no… pic.twitter.com/dygtgNUrub
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) June 14, 2025
Brilliant win by South Africa… what a great Test match. 👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/XTZjfngLLI
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 14, 2025
WE HAVE FREAKIN DONE IT!!!
WE ARE WORLD TEST CHAMPIONS
TEARS OF JOY 😭😭😭
We have won an ICC Final!! 🔥🔥
WHAT A TEAM
WHAT A WATERSHED MOMENT 🔥😭
YEARS OF HEARTBREAK, WASHED AWAY
VIVA SOUTH AFRICA, VIVA 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/qN8sDRbJBr
— Werner (@Werries_) June 14, 2025
South Africa 🫡 🙌🏽
From getting criticised for sending a weaker team to New Zealand, to this!
After all the painful losses in the knockouts, they have finally crossed the finish line at the Lord’s!!— Sarvesh🏏 (@CricAspect) June 14, 2025
South Africa won their first ICC trophy under the leadership of a Black African cricketer, Temba Bavuma.
This is why reservation and social justice are necessary for any country’s progress.
Temba bavuma is a living example for that.#WtcFinal2025 pic.twitter.com/Q8wXgc30mw
— Dr Nimo Yadav 2.0 (@DrNimoYadav) June 14, 2025
