Published: Jun 14, 2025, 06:43 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 14, 2025, 06:43 PM (IST)
South Africa ended their 27-year wait for an ICC title on Saturday by securing the World Test Championship (WTC) crown with a five-wicket win over Australia at Lord’s. Chasing a target of 282, the Proteas were powered by a brilliant century from Aiden Markram and a composed half-century from skipper Temba Bavuma.
Resuming Day 4 needing just 69 runs to win, South Africa suffered an early blow with Bavuma’s dismissal, but Markram held firm and guided the team close to victory before Kyle Verreynne sealed the win with the final run.
In addition to lifting the Test mace, South Africa also bagged a prize money of $3.6 million (around ₹31.05 crore). Australia, despite finishing as runners-up, earned $2.16 million (approximately ₹18.63 crore). Meanwhile, India, who secured third place in the 2023–25 WTC cycle, received a sum of ₹12.42 crore.
Starting the day at 213/2, South Africa suffered an early setback as Temba Bavuma edged a back-of-a-length delivery from Pat Cummins to the wicketkeeper, departing for 55 off 134 balls. With Nathan Lyon extracting some turn, the Proteas had to navigate a tense phase in their chase, as Australia maintained relentless pressure and made scoring difficult.
Markram helped ease the tension by driving Cummins crisply for a boundary and then pulling him confidently through mid-wicket for another four. However, Australia struck again as Mitchell Starc dismissed Tristan Stubbs.
Although Markram missed out on finishing the chase, falling for 136 after flicking a delivery from Hazlewood to mid-wicket, Kyle Verreynne sealed the victory by driving Starc through cover-point.
