The ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground will forever be remembered as a milestone in South African cricket history. Under the astute leadership of captain Temba Bavuma, the Proteas captured a thrilling five-wicket victory over reigning champions Australia, marking the first time South Africa secured a major ICC title since 1998.
A monumental chase
South Africa’s road to triumph was not an easy one. Chasing a daunting target of 282, the Proteas resumed Day 4 on 213–2. Aiden Markram’s extraordinary century, paired with Bavuma’s steadfast captaincy under the strain of a hamstring injury, propelled South Africa home at 282–5, thus achieving the second-highest successful fourth-innings chase ever witnessed at Lord’s.
Markram’s magnificent 136 off 207 balls earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match accolade. His partnership of 147 runs with Bavuma was instrumental, as Australia’s seasoned bowlers struggled to break South Africa’s stronghold on a benign pitch.
A commanding bowling performance
The outcome was set in motion by South Africa’s indomitable pace attack. Kagiso Rabada, returning to the spotlight with a vengeance, captivated with a five-wicket haul in the first innings. His efforts restricted Australia to 212 and 207 across their two innings, laying a solid foundation for the ensuing chase.
Despite facing early setbacks in their batting lineup, South Africa managed to maintain composure under pressure, underscoring the depth and resilience of their squad.
A captain with tenacity
Temba Bavuma emerged as more than just the captain; he became a symbol of determination and grit. His knock of 66, punctuated by a palpable determination to overcome personal and team challenges, spoke volumes of his leadership.
Reflecting on their historic win, Bavuma remarked, “We prepared hard and played to our strengths. It’s a special moment for us and our fans back home.” His leadership has not only been transformative for the team but for South African cricket as a whole.
Breaking the “chokers” tag
With this victory, South Africa shed its “chokers” tag, a label that had haunted them in previous ICC tournaments. Their win at Lord’s is a testament to the team’s hard work and strategic prowess, ending a 27-year drought in ICC tournament success.
As the global cricket community lauds this victory, South Africa’s cricket narrative is undoubtedly rewritten, marking the Proteas as a formidable force in Test cricket. With Bavuma at the helm and talents like Markram flourishing, the future looks promising for South African cricket.
While there is much to celebrate, the timing of this triumph poses questions about maintaining momentum. With no Tests scheduled in the imminent season, the team must find ways to capitalize on this high and prepare for future challenges to cement their status at the pinnacle of world cricket.
