By South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s, thanks to great batting, resilient leadership, and effective bowling efforts, earning their first major ICC championship in 27 years. South Africa’s victory in the 2025 World T20 final was built on Aiden Markram’s match-winning century, Temba Bavuma’s gutsy leadership and batting despite injury, and Kagiso Rabada’s superior bowling. Their collective resilience and ability to chase a tough goal at Lord’s resulted in a dramatic five-wicket triumph over a powerful Australian side, bringing an end to their ICC title drought and making Test history.
Key Factors of South Africa’s Victory
Critical Batting Performances* Aiden Markram played a key role by scoring a spectacular century (136 runs) in the second innings, making up for his first-innings failure and anchoring the pursuit of a difficult goal of 282 runs. His innings was hailed as the difference between the two teams in a match dominated by bowlers.
Despite a hamstring injury, captain Temba Bavuma demonstrated incredible courage and commitment by scoring a crucial 66 runs. His resilience stabilized the innings at vital moments, supporting Markram and others. * The lower order, particularly Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham, contributed crucial runs near the end, with Verreynne hitting the winning runs and remaining composed under duress.
Kagiso Rabada took nine wickets in the contest, demonstrating his effective bowling. His expertise and technique helped put the Australian batting lineup under continual strain, limiting scores and resulting in important breakthroughs.
Tactical Resilience and Teamwork * South Africa’s successful pursuit of a target of 282 on Day 4 at Lord’s in a WTC final demonstrated their mental toughness and strategic execution.
Despite Australia’s attempts to change the tide, including early wickets by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, South Africa remained calm and steadily advanced toward the target.
Overcoming Previous Disappointments
This victory ended South Africa’s 27-year drought for a major ICC title, making it a momentous event for the team and its fans. The victory was especially sweet given recent ICC tournament disappointments, including a significant loss to Australia in the 1999 World Cup semi-final.
