CONTEXT

• World Test Championship (WTC) is ICC’s premier tournament for red-ball cricket, launched in 2019 to provide greater context and prestige to Test matches.
• The WTC Final 2025 was held at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, between South Africa and Australia.
• South Africa, historically underachievers in ICC tournaments, aimed to end a decades-long drought for a major title.

CONCEPT

• The WTC format includes a league stage played over two years followed by a final between the top two teams.
• South Africa reached the final after a consistent season, often criticized for playing against “weaker” teams – a perception they proved wrong.
• Australia were the defending champions, having won the 2023 WTC Final against India.

CURRENT

Match Highlights

• Australia 1st Innings: Scored 212 – Beau Webster (72), Steve Smith (66); Rabada took 5 wickets.
• South Africa 1st Innings: Bowled out for 138 – Bedingham top-scored with 45.
• Australia 2nd Innings: Collapsed to 73/7, recovered to post 209 – Starc (58), Carey (43).
• South Africa 2nd Innings Target: 282 | Final score: 282/5
• Hero: Aiden Markram (136) anchored the chase despite a duck in the first innings.

Turning Points

• Captain Temba Bavuma overcame a hamstring injury, scored 66, and inspired the team.
• Markram’s innings was praised for temperament and stroke selection under pressure.
• Rabada and Marco Jansen played crucial roles with both ball and bat.

Post-Match Impact

• South Africa clinched their maiden ICC title in men’s cricket – a landmark moment.
• Bavuma called it a “special moment for people back home”, comparing fan support in London to a home atmosphere.
• Rabada rejected criticism about South Africa’s schedule, reaffirming their capability.
• The victory was dubbed South African cricket’s “Springbok moment”, referencing the national rugby team’s world title triumphs.