South Africa was able to put their years of agony behind them, win the WTC Final 2025 trophy at Lord’s on a stunning Saturday afternoon, with the clock reading 12:45 PM. T
Ultimately, in the epic battle of the day was Aiden Markram, the architect of the Proteas’ historic five-wicket victory over Australia with the innings of a lifetime, a 136-run miracle. Probably South Africa’s best Test win, and maybe even their most emotional one, so far.
The End to a Long Wait for World Glory
Beforehand, South Africa’s one and only major ICC trophy was in 1998, winning the KnockOut Trophy, which was highly debated to have any relevance. The WTC Final 2025 (SA vs AUS) is now a defining moment in South Africa’s cricket history, that last box, after a ton of almosts and what ifs.
Australia’s Early Advantage Evaporates
Australia started the match promisingly, with the first-innings advantage growing to 74 runs, which eventually passed 100. But a dramatic collapse to 73 for 7 on the second evening returned the initiative to South Africa. Though their lower-order resistance and bowlers battled bravely, Australia eventually could not repel South Africa’s measured chase.
Nervy Start to Day Four
Picking up from where they left off at 213 for 2 and needing 69 runs and eight wickets, things were clearly in South Africa’s favor. But this was no typical fourth day. The occasion lent it this weight. Every run was greeted with cheers from the predominantly pro-South African crowd at Lord’s.
Temba Bavuma, batting with a sore hamstring strain, injected determination into the pursuit, creating a crucial 147-run stand with Markram. He could not complete the game, however, getting edged by Pat Cummins to the slips on the opening morning session.
Markram’s Masterclass Under Pressure
Markram displayed his class with a variety of exquisite strokes, including a square hit and a dominant pull off Cummins. Even as Australia attempted everything, even torching all three reviews in desperation, Markram remained steadfast.
When Tristan Stubbs was caught by a sharp Mitchell Starc delivery with 41 still required, South African fans experienced a rush of familiar nervousness. But Markram, David Bedingham, and then Kyle Verreynne guided the innings with composure.
Final Moments: A Victory Sealed in Style
As the score approached the mark, Hazlewood’s second new ball was greeted with assured strokes. Verreynne’s delicacy and Markram’s flicks did the rest. With scores equal, Verreynne gloved a scoop off Starc unchallenged, Australia had run out of reviews.
And then finally, the winning runs off Verreynne’s classy cover drive, which set off ecstatic celebrations and raised the WTC mace aloft at Lord’s.
Aiden Markram: The Hero South Africa Needed
Markram’s 136 will forever occupy a place in South African cricket lore. As he made his way off after being dismissed, even the Aussie players cheered, recognizing an innings not merely technically exquisite but historically significant.
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