South Africa Wins 2025 World Test Championship

South Africa ended a 27-year wait for a major ICC title by defeating Australia by five wickets in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's. The Proteas, chasing 282, were led by Aiden Markram's resilient 136 and captain Temba Bavuma's gritty 66, scored despite injury, finishing the chase on day four amid high tension. Kagiso Rabada claimed nine wickets in the match, with South Africa's bowlers collectively restricting Australia to manageable totals. The victory is particularly significant as South Africa had faced criticism for deprioritizing Test cricket and fielded a second-string side during the qualification cycle, making their title run a notable redemption. This win makes South Africa just the third nation to have won both the ICC Champions Trophy and the WTC mace. The achievement is widely seen as a turning point for the national team and celebrated by fans and the cricketing world.