27 Years of Wait, South Africa finally Lift Their Second ICC Trophy
South Africa have done it. After 27 years of waiting, heartbreak, and near misses, they have finally claimed their second ICC trophy, winning the World Test Championship Final 2025 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. It is a moment that will be remembered forever in South African cricketing history.
This is South Africa’s first ICC title since 1998, when they won the ICC KnockOut Trophy (now known as the Champions Trophy). That tournament was hosted in Bangladesh, and South Africa defeated the West Indies in the final under the captaincy of Hansie Cronje. Since then, despite producing world-class talent and dominating in bilateral cricket, an ICC trophy remained elusive. Until now.
The Perfect Comeback After 27 Years of Pain
For decades, South Africa have been called “chokers” – a term that haunted them in ICC tournaments. Semifinal exits, last-over collapses, and rain-rule heartbreaks defined their past. But this time, in the grandest stage of red-ball cricket, South Africa held their nerve.
Chasing 282 in the fourth innings against Australia, one of the strongest Test sides, they didn’t flinch. They walked out at Lord’s with clarity, hunger, and belief. And that belief turned into history.
Aiden Markram – The Man for Big Moments
South Africa’s run chase was anchored by Aiden Markram, who produced one of the finest fourth-innings knocks in a final. He had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings by Mitchell Starc, but he came back in the second innings with steel in his eyes and calmness in his strokeplay.
Markram’s unbeaten century was not just about runs. It was about redemption, temperament, and trust in his technique. This was his third century in the fourth innings of a Test match. His previous two centuries – against Australia in Durban (2018) and against Pakistan in Rawalpindi (2021) – had ended in losses. But this time, he ensured it led to a win.
At just 30, Markram is building a reputation as South Africa’s big-match batter. And let’s not forget, he captained South Africa to their U19 World Cup title in 2014, a glimpse even then of the player he would become.
Temba Bavuma Continues His Dream Run
Supporting Markram was Temba Bavuma, who played a composed knock and remained unbeaten with a fine half-century. Bavuma’s captaincy record in Tests remains perfect. He has not lost a single Test match as captain since taking charge.
His leadership has brought calm and stability to a South African side in transition. This final was his biggest challenge, and he passed it with flying colours. His tactical acumen, quiet strength, and timing in decision-making helped South Africa stay ahead throughout the game.
Kagiso Rabada – The Wrecker-in-Chief
If Markram was the hero with the bat, Kagiso Rabada was the destroyer with the ball. His nine wickets in the match dismantled Australia’s batting across both innings. Rabada’s express pace, control, and aggression proved too much for even the most seasoned Australian batters.
From the moment he got the new ball, Rabada looked threatening. He bowled with rhythm, found movement off the pitch, and never let the Aussies settle. His spell on Day 3 morning was critical in bundling Australia out for just 207 in their second innings.
A Rare Defeat for Australia’s Modern Greats
The loss will sting for Australia. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, two of the finest bowlers of their generation, suffered their first ever defeat in an ICC final. Pat Cummins, who had led Australia to the WTC title in 2023 and the ODI World Cup in 2023, also lost his first final as Australian captain.
Despite Cummins’ magical spell of 6/28 in the first innings, Australia couldn’t build a lead big enough to stop South Africa in the fourth innings. Their batting, apart from a few brief partnerships, never quite clicked. And when they needed someone to stand up on Day 4, it was South Africa who answered the call.
A Championship for the People
This win means more than just a trophy. For South African cricket fans, it is the end of a long drought of 27 Years filled with near misses and broken dreams. It’s a story of resilience, of learning from history, and of building a team that believes.
The celebrations at Lord’s were emotional. Players embraced, tears flowed, and smiles refused to fade. For the South African players, this was more than just cricket. It was about rewriting their legacy.
Final Score Summary:
- Australia: 212 & 207 all out
- South Africa: 138 & 282/5
- Result: South Africa won by 8 wickets
- Player of the Match: Aiden Markram (Century in 4th innings and 2 wickets)
- Top Performers: Markram, Bavuma, Rabada (9 wickets)
From 1998 to 2025 – A Trophy Cabinet Reopened
With this victory, South Africa now hold two ICC titles:
- 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy (now called Champions Trophy) – beating West Indies in Bangladesh.
- 2025 World Test Championship – defeating Australia at Lord’s.
It took 27 years to go from one ICC trophy to two. But with a team like this, and a captain like Bavuma, it might not be long before South Africa add a third. South Africa are champions again. And this time, no one can question it.
Also read this : https://cric92.com/latest/markrams-fighting-century-puts-south-africa-on-brink-of-history/