Historic Glory at Lord's: South Africa Clinch World Test Championship Title, End 118-Year ICC Trophy Drought
By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Jun 14, 2025 14:29 PM • 45 views
After more than a century of near-misses, heartbreaks, and the haunting shadow of cricketing infamy, South Africa has finally etched its name in the annals of cricketing greatness. The Proteas lifted their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title with a commanding five-wicket victory over defending champions Australia on the hallowed turf of Lord's Cricket Ground. It is South Africa's first major ICC triumph in 118 years, the last being the Champions Trophy win — a title from a bygone era that has long felt like a distant memory. This victory, however, resonates far deeper. It's not just a championship win; it's a resounding statement of redemption.
Chasing History and 282 Runs
Resuming the fourth day of the final on a solid 213 for 2, South Africa remained composed under pressure, chasing a target of 282. The architect of the chase was none other than Aiden Markram, whose masterful 136 off 206 deliveries — laced with 14 crisply timed boundaries — anchored the innings and South Africa's dreams.
Captain Temba Bavuma, a symbol of grit and quiet leadership, chipped in with a valuable 66 off 134 balls, blunting Australia's pace trio and setting the tone for a measured chase. Wiaan Mulder (27*) and David Bedingham (21) provided the final touches as South Africa crossed the finish line with five wickets in hand — and a nation exhaling a 118-year-old sigh of relief.
Australia Falter Despite starc's Resistance
Australia, the powerhouse and reigning WTC champions, saw their title defence crumble despite moments of individual brilliance. Mitchell Starc led with both ball and bat — his three wickets were crucial in delaying South Africa's march, and his defiant 58 off 136 balls in the second innings offered a glimmer of hope.
But it was never enough. Australia had earlier been bowled out for 212 in the first innings and then again for 270 in their second. South Africa, dismissed for just 138 in their first innings, trailed by 74 but stormed back with pace and poise.
Rabada Leads Ruthless Attack South Africa's pace battery, led by the ever-reliable Kagiso Rabada, played a crucial role in turning the tide. Rabada's figures of 4 wickets in Australia's second innings set the tone, with Lungi Ngidi (3 wickets) providing critical breakthroughs and Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and even Markram chipping in with one apiece. Their bowling effort not only restricted Australia to a modest lead but also set up a chaseable target that the team's top order clinically executed.
A Nation Redeemed For South African cricket, long burdened by the 'chokers' tag and years of underachievement on the global stage, this triumph represents a seismic shift. At Lord's — the spiritual home of cricket — they stood tall, not just as victors, but as vindicated. From the heartbreak of 1999 to the turbulence of the transition years, this win is both a culmination and a beginning.
