It was more than just a win. It was history rewritten.

On a sunlit afternoon at Lord’s Cricket Ground, South Africa ended a 27-year drought by defeating Australia to claim the 2025 ICC World Test Championship, clinching a five-wicket victory that will be remembered for generations.

This wasn’t just a Test match, it was a reckoning. A coming-of-age moment for a team that has lived in the shadow of heartbreak for decades. And when Kyle Verreynne drove Mitchell Starc through the off-side to seal the win, the roar from the South African supporters turned the iconic London venue into a festival of green and gold.

Markram Leads the Way with an All-Time Classic

In the middle of it all was Aiden Markram, whose sublime 136 in the final innings carried the Proteas across the line. He batted like a man possessed — focused, unshaken, and clinical. For nearly two days, it was as if Markram was in a trance, absorbing the pressure, silencing the noise, and dismantling a world-class Australian bowling attack with elegance and precision.

He didn’t need to scream when he reached his century. Instead, he paused, closed his eyes, and raised his bat in quiet gratitude, a picture of calm in the most chaotic of moments.

Markram fell with South Africa six runs from victory, but the damage had been done. The heavy lifting was over. The baton passed to Verreynne and David Bedingham, who saw it through and triggered scenes of raw, uninhibited joy.

Captain Bavuma- Don’t See His Silence as a Weakness

Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s first Black Test captain, delivered the speech of a lifetime — and the performance to match it. Battling injury and advised to retire hurt, he stood tall, adding 66 crucial runs and guiding his team with heart and poise.

“We wanted this. We prepared for this. And we earned it,” Bavuma said, voice cracking with emotion. “I know people doubt quiet leadership, but don’t see my silence as a weakness. I stayed out there because it mattered.”

His captaincy record? Eight straight Test wins. Undefeated. The whispers about his leadership can stop now.

A Team of Fighters and Friends, Not Superstars

This South African side didn’t win because of flashy names or once-in-a-generation talent, though Kagiso Rabada’s 9 wickets were pure fire. They won because they were smart, united, and patient. They played for each other. And they played the moment, not the scoreboard.

“We’ve come close before, but this was different,” said Markram. “It’s emotional. Growing up, Lord’s was the one place I always dreamed of playing. To win here — it’s unreal.”

Australia, ever the standard-bearers of modern Test cricket, gave it everything. But Pat Cummins’ team couldn’t overcome South Africa’s determination.

“Aiden and Temba didn’t give us a chance,” Cummins admitted. “They deserved it.”

A New Era for South African Cricket

This win was more than just silverware — it was a cultural shift. For years, South Africa was known for heartbreak at the finish line. For collapse. For the dreaded word: “chokers.” Not anymore.

This was a team of redemption. A team that turned scars into armor. And at the heart of it was the belief that the story could change — if they stayed true to who they were.

They did. And now they’re champions of the world.

Final Scorecard – ICC World Test Championship Final 2025

Lord’s Cricket Ground, London

Australia – 212 & 207

South Africa – 138 & 282/5

Result: South Africa win by 5 wickets
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]