South Africa

South Africa Wins ICC World Test Championship

Published JUN 14 2025

Story

Above: Temba Bavuma lifts the ICC World Test Championship Mace at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 14, 2025. Image credit: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

The Facts

South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Saturday. The Proteas successfully chased down a target of 282 runs, completing the second-highest successful run chase in Test cricket history at the venue.
FOX News
ICC
The New York Times
Aiden Markram scored 136 runs from 207 balls, earning the Player of the Match award for his innings that lasted nearly seven hours across two days. His partnership with captain Temba Bavuma totaled 147 runs and proved decisive in turning the match in South Africa's favor.
TimesLIVE
The New York Times
FOX News
Captain Temba Bavuma contributed 66 runs while battling a hamstring injury sustained on day three. He was dismissed early on the final day by Australian captain Pat Cummins, caught behind in the third over of Saturday's play.
Daily Maverick
BBC News
Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs with a drive through the covers off Mitchell Starc at 12:46 p.m. local time, sealing South Africa's first World Test Championship title, ending a 27-year drought for major ICC titles since their 1998 ICC Knockout victory.
The New York Times
FOX News
Kagiso Rabada took nine wickets across both innings, including a five-wicket haul in Australia's first innings. The pace bowler's performance helped restrict Australia and set up South Africa's victory in the biennial championship.
Al Jazeera
Sky Sports
Australia's bowling attack, led by Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, applied consistent pressure throughout the chase but could not prevent South Africa's breakthrough. The defending champions used all three of their reviews unsuccessfully within the first 90 minutes of Saturday's play.
ICC
Guardian
Washingtontimes

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The Spin

Narrative A

This victory is a testament to justice for a South African team that has consistently performed at the highest level despite facing criticism about their path to the final. The Proteas proved their worth by emphatically defeating the defending champions, Australia, showcasing the depth and quality that critics had questioned. After years of heartbreak in ICC knockout events, this triumph validates the team's resilience and demonstrates that they belong among cricket's elite.

Al Jazeera

TimesLIVE

Narrative B

Australia's defeat highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket and shows that even the most experienced teams can falter under pressure. The defending champions had every opportunity to retain their title but were outplayed by a determined South African side that capitalized on key moments. This loss serves as a reminder that past success doesn't guarantee future results, and Australia will need to regroup quickly ahead of the upcoming series.