South Africa's Triumph: WTC Final 2025
How South Africa Won the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC)
1. Strong Bowler-Led Start
- Kagiso Rabada took 5 for 51 in the first innings to bowl Australia out for 212.
- Australia totaled 207 in their second innings; Rabada claimed nine wickets in the match.
2. Top-Order Wobble & Recovery
- South Africa collapsed to 138 all out in their first innings, trailing by 74.
- Their bowlers responded by restricting Australia again, keeping the contest alive.
3. Match-Turning Batting Partnership
- Aiden Markram scored a match-defining 136 on Day 3.
- Temba Bavuma, battling injury, contributed a gritty 66 to steady the innings.
4. Chasing Brilliance on Day 4
- South Africa resumed at 213/2, chasing 282, and completed the chase at 282/5.
- Kyle Verreynne scored the winning run, marking the second-highest successful chase at Lord's.
5. Leadership & Coaching Excellence
- Temba Bavuma, SA's first black African Test captain, led with calm and conviction.
- Coach Shukri Conrad, appointed in 2023, architected the team's winning strategy.
Timeline Summary:
Day 1: Rabada's 5 wickets bowl out Australia for 212.
Day 2: South Africa collapse to 138; Australia set 282 to chase.
Day 3: Markram and Bavuma take SA to 213/2.
Day 4: SA wins by 5 wickets, chasing down 282.
Historic Significance:
- First ICC title since 1998.
- Ended "chokers" tag and won global praise.
- Opened a new era for South African Test cricket.