South Africa makes history at the Home of Cricket, clinching their first-ever ICC trophy since 1998 by defeating Australia in the WTC Final 2025 by 6 wickets.
Bavuma Falls Early, Chase Slows Down
Day 4 began with South Africa needing 68 runs to win. Aiden Markram and a half-fit Temba Bavuma resumed their partnership, with Pat Cummins starting the bowling attack for Australia. It was a bright start for the Aussies, as Cummins struck early, dismissing Bavuma for 66 (134) after finding the edge. It was a crucial breakthrough, and Australia were right back in the contest.
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Tristan Stubbs joined Markram at the crease. While South Africa looked in control of the chase, both batters adopted a cautious approach, offering no chances to the bowlers. Thirteen overs into Day 4, South Africa had added just 23 runs as the players broke for drinks.
Right after the break, South Africa lost another wicket. Tristan Stubbs was bowled by a beautiful delivery from Mitchell Starc. With 40 runs still needed, David Bedingham walked in to join Markram.
The two began rotating the strike steadily, focusing on ticking the scoreboard and avoiding risks. As a few boundaries came off the bats of Markram and Bedingham, the pressure shifted back to Australia—the game was slowly slipping away.
National Hero - Aiden Markaram
As the target narrowed, Markram looked eager to finish things quickly. He started taking risks in search of boundaries, but one loose shot proved costly. He was caught by Travis Head off Josh Hazlewood, ending a magnificent innings of 136 (207). Markram walked off to a standing ovation, having played arguably the finest knock of his career.
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Kyle Verreynne joined Bedingham with just a handful of runs needed. They found the occasional single, but with 3 runs to win, tension filled the ground. Pat Cummins brought his fielders in, hoping for a last twist. Verreynne tried to ramp Starc and edged it, but the appeal was turned down and Australia had no reviews left.
With the crowd roaring behind South Africa, Verreynne struck the winning runs. South Africa had done it. Celebrations erupted at Lord’s.
A 27-Year Wait Ends in Glory
A historic moment in South African cricket. After decades of near-misses and heartbreaks in ICC tournaments, they finally crossed the line. Twenty-seven years later, South Africa are crowned ICC World Test Champions.
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