South Africa Clinches ICC World Test Championship Title

LONDON: South Africa defeated defending champions Australia by five wickets in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final at The Lord’s Cricket Ground on Saturday, largely thanks to an anchoring century by Aiden Markram.

This championship victory is South Africa’s first major ICC title since their triumph in the inaugural edition of the men’s Champions Trophy in 1998, then known as the Knockout Trophy.

Match Summary

The Proteas continued their chase at 213/2, requiring only 69 more runs for a historic win, with Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma at the crease.

However, the overnight partnership added only four runs as Bavuma was caught behind early in the day. Bavuma contributed a crucial 66 off 134 balls, including five boundaries.

Markram then formed a 24-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs, who scored eight runs off 43 balls before being dismissed by Mitchell Starc.

David Bedingham provided solid support to Markram, adding 35 runs for the fifth wicket until Markram was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, with only six runs needed for victory.

Markram was the leading scorer for South Africa, with 136 runs off 207 deliveries, including 14 boundaries.

Bedingham and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne ensured a smooth finish to the run chase.

Australia’s second innings concluded on the third day at 207, with Starc leading the scoring with an aggressive unbeaten 58.

In their initial innings, Australia was all out for 212, with Beau Webster scoring a quick 72 off 92 balls and Steve Smith adding a resilient 62 off 112 balls.

Kagiso Rabada spearheaded South Africa’s bowling attack with a five-wicket haul, supported by Marco Jansen, who took three wickets.

South Africa responded with 138 in their first innings, with David Bedingham scoring 45 runs.

Australian captain Pat Cummins took six wickets, while Starc took two, giving Australia a vital first-innings advantage.