By Kartikey Tripathi | Haridwar
14th June 2025 will go down as one of the most cherished dates in South African cricket history. On a day that will be remembered forever, South Africa finally lifted their first ICC trophy — the World Test Championship — at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. After decades of near-misses and heartbreak on the big stage, the Proteas rose to the occasion and wrote their name into cricket’s most treasured books with a performance full of heart, grit, and class at the home of cricket.
It all began with South Africa winning a crucial toss and opting to bowl first, a decision that raised a few eyebrows at the time. But Kagiso Rabada made sure it looked like a masterstroke. Under cloudy skies, Rabada was simply unstoppable, delivering a fiery spell that tore into the Australian top order. In both innings, he produced dream overs, dismissing Green and Khawaja in the space of a few balls each time, and giving South Africa the early breakthroughs they desperately wanted in a final of this magnitude.
World Test Championship 2025 - Lords
Australia, as they so often do on the big stage, weren’t going to go down without a fight. Their skipper, Pat Cummins, led from the front with the ball, producing a captain’s spell for the ages. His six wickets in the first innings saw South Africa bundled out for just 138, and suddenly the match was back in the balance. The Aussies smelled blood, and for a moment, it looked like they might wrestle the final their way.
But this Test match had more twists in store. South Africa’s bowlers came back just as hard, and before long, Australia found themselves staring at disaster at 66 for 6 in their second innings. The Proteas were right on top, but Mitchell Starc had other ideas. Starc’s unbeaten 58 wasn’t just a cameo — it was a gutsy, clutch knock that dragged Australia to 282 and gave them something to bowl at. In a final as tense as this, every run felt priceless.
The chase was where true character shone through. Temba Bavuma, carrying a hamstring injury that left him limping throughout his innings, showed incredible courage. He fought through the pain barrier, dug in, and gave South Africa a fighting chance with his determined 66. His effort will be remembered for years, not just for the runs, but for the spirit he showed when his team needed him the most.
Captain Bavuma ( IMAGE - JioHotstar )
And then came Aiden Markram’s masterpiece. Under the immense pressure of a final at Lord’s, Markram played what can only be described as the innings of his life. His century was calm, measured, and packed with class — exactly what South Africa needed to finally break their ICC trophy drought. It was his knock that truly separated the two sides in a match where the margin for error was razor thin.
Aiden Makram
For South Africa, this victory means everything. It’s more than just a trophy — it’s proof that they can deliver when it matters most. After all the painful exits in ICC tournaments over the years, the Proteas have finally conquered the mental hurdle. This win will give them belief in future knockout games, and perhaps mark the beginning of a new chapter where South Africa aren’t just contenders — they’re champions. The ultimate Test at Lord’s wasn’t just a final. It was a defining moment in South African cricket’s rich, often heartbreaking, history — and one that will inspire future generations.