South Africa Crowned WTC Champions: Shatters ‘Chokers’ Tag with Historic Triumph
Markram ‘Lord' at Lord's, Australia failed to defend title
London – In a moment of cricketing glory and historic redemption, South Africa defeated defending champions Australia in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, claiming their first-ever major ICC title in men’s cricket. Chasing a challenging target of 282, South Africa reached the mark with five wickets to spare, thanks to a sublime century from Aiden Markram.
Markram played the innings of his life, scoring a majestic 136 off 207 balls, laced with 14 boundaries. His calm, composed, and commanding knock not only anchored the chase but also erased decades of disappointment, finally shedding South Africa’s notorious “chokers” tag.
Captain Temba Bavuma, too, rose to the occasion with a crucial 66 off 134 deliveries, stitching together a match-defining 147-run partnership with Markram for the third wicket. The victory was sealed late on Day 4, with David Bedingham (21) and Kyle Verreynne (4) staying unbeaten to take their side home at 282/5.
South Africa conquered the mighty Aussies. Temba Bavuma led SA to glory after 27 years.#WtcFinal2025 #ICCWTCFinal #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/uCDmoMsFRR
— Subhasish Dev (@SDev619) June 14, 2025
A Long Wait Ends
For South Africa, this win means more than a trophy. Since returning to international cricket in the 1990s post-apartheid, the Proteas have been haunted by near-misses in World Cups and ICC tournaments. Their only prior major win came in 1998, at the ICC Knockout Trophy. Since then, heartbreak followed heartbreak — semi-finals, quarter-finals, and finals that always ended in tears.
But on this 14th of June, 2025, the story was different. The tag of “chokers” was finally buried. South Africa stood tall — from chokers to champions.
Australia Denied Back-to-Back Titles
Coming in as defending champions, Australia had hoped to become the first team to retain the WTC title. Skipper Pat Cummins tried to keep the flame alive with a fiery spell that dismissed Bavuma — a sharp delivery outside off that kissed the bat and was safely pouched by Alex Carey behind the stumps. That wicket left South Africa at 217/4, needing 65 more.
But Australia couldn’t break through again. Markram’s determination and Bedingham’s composure ensured no collapse followed. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, but it wasn’t enough.
Aiden Markram: Lord of Lord’s
Markram’s innings will go down in cricketing folklore. Already a promising talent, this performance etched his name among the greats. Cricket fans and analysts alike are calling him the “Lord of Lord’s”, a title that captures the magnitude of his effort in the sport’s most revered venue.
Even as Indian fans recall the two WTC final heartbreaks in 2021 and 2023, South Africa has shown that it takes one shot at glory to change history — and they took it with both hands.
Celebrations and Recognition
Present at Lord’s were ICC chairman Jay Shah, several cricketing legends, and the players’ families. The South African camp erupted in joy, with emotional scenes in the dressing room and stands.
From racial integration in sport to world domination, South Africa’s journey has been long, painful, and inspiring. Today, with a diverse team led by a black captain and propelled by excellence, they have earned their place among champions.
Final Score Summary:
Australia: First innings – 271 | Second innings – 292
South Africa: First innings – 282 | Second innings – 282/5
South Africa won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Aiden Markram (136 runs)