South Africa Win Their First ICC Trophy In 27 Years

On Day 4 of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord's, South Africa made history by defeating Australia by 5 wickets to claim their first major ICC title in 27 years.
 

Day 4 Summary

• South Africa needed just 69 runs to win after starting at 2/213. Temba Bavuma (65*) and Aiden Markram (102*) were at the crease as they resumed.
• Early discovery: Bavuma was dismissed for 66 by Pat Cummins, who struck early..
• A partnership combines: In tight situations, Markram (136) maintained his cool and formed important relationships, initially with Tristan Stubbs and later with David Bedingham. 
• Australians retaliate: In the 60th over, Mitchell Starc trapped Stubbs LBW, bringing SA down to 241/4. 
• Markram anchors: Despite losing Bavuma and Stubbs, he led the chase and led a calm middle period. 
• Drama in the last overs: Markram was caught just short of the finish at mid-wicket for 136 off Hazlewood. 
• Kyle Verreynne, who made his debut, and David Bedingham finished it off, with Verreynne scoring the final runs to lead SA home at 277/5 in 27.4. 

Historical test for South Africa

With their first ICC trophy since 1998, South Africa's victory puts an end to the long-standing criticism that they are cricket's "chokers." Temba Bavuma's historic achievement in South Africa's sporting history as the country's first Black African captain to lift an ICC trophy was also a source of pride.

Rare failure for Australia in ICC final

It was an unusual setback for Australia in the ICC finals. They lost badly in the fourth innings due to their failure to defend a respectable total, even though Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood all had excellent games. Their chances of capturing consecutive WTC titles ended with the loss.

 

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