ICC World Test Championship Final 2025: How South Africa and Australia Qualified

ICC World Test Championship Final 2025: How South Africa and Australia Booked Their Spots at Lord’s

South Africa and Australia Set for Blockbuster Final at Lord’s on June 25, 2025

The stage is officially set for the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, with South Africa and Australia earning their right to face off at Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 25, 2025. This will mark the Proteas’ maiden appearance in a WTC Final, while the Baggy Greens will return for a second consecutive final, looking to defend the title they clinched in 2023. Both sides have taken contrasting but compelling paths to cricket’s most prestigious red-ball showdown, showcasing dominance, resilience, and a few unexpected hiccups along the way.

Let’s break down how the top two teams in this WTC cycle sealed their positions in the grand finale.

South Africa’s Resurgence: From Centurion Glory to Global Reward

South Africa began their World Test Championship 2023-25 campaign with a bang, thumping India by an innings in Centurion in December 2023. That early confidence took a bit of a hit in Cape Town, where India pulled one back to draw the two-Test series, but it laid the foundation for a formidable season of cricket for the Proteas.

Their tour of New Zealand was less than ideal. A 2-0 defeat raised concerns about consistency, but this turned out to be a temporary setback. In the Caribbean, they bounced back with a 1-0 series win, led by Keshav Maharaj, whose 13 wickets over two Tests proved decisive in low-scoring conditions.

The turning point, however, came in Bangladesh. South Africa swept the series 2-0 and discovered new match-winners in the form of Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, and Tristan Stubbs, all of whom hit their maiden Test centuries. De Zorzi’s 177 in Chittagong stood out as one of the innings of the year, showing the Proteas’ renewed batting depth.

Back home, Temba Bavuma guided the team to another 2-0 win, this time over Sri Lanka, setting up a decisive end-of-cycle clash against Pakistan. South Africa closed the deal in style with two wins in as many matches. The second Test, in particular, highlighted Ryan Rickelton’s brilliance with a double century that laid the groundwork for a 10-wicket victory, and in turn, a finals berth.

They ended the cycle with a points percentage of 69.44, topping the table and securing a spot in the final before any other team.

Australia’s Campaign: Retaining the Crown with Grit and Depth

Australia, the reigning champions, knew that defending their WTC crown would require both talent and tenacity. Their campaign began with the Ashes 2023 in England, a series that had every twist and turn imaginable. Australia won the opening two Tests but failed to convert those wins into series victory, eventually settling for a 2-2 draw. While it felt like a missed opportunity, the points gained were valuable.

They bounced back strongly on home turf, obliterating Pakistan 3-0, with pace and precision. However, their momentum was briefly halted when West Indies stunned them in Brisbane, with Shamar Joseph producing one of the finest fast-bowling spells in Test cricket’s recent memory taking 7 for 68 to give West Indies their first win in Australia since 1997.

Yet again, Australia showed resilience. A clean 2-0 series sweep in New Zealand kept them firmly in the top three and gave them control over their destiny heading into their blockbuster five-Test home series against India.

After a defeat in Perth, doubts began to creep in. But the Australians, led by veterans and emerging stars alike, turned the tide. Wins in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney ensured a 3-1 series win. It was in the final Test at the SCG that Scott Boland reminded everyone of his potency in home conditions, producing a spellbinding performance to seal Australia’s place in the WTC Final.

A follow-up 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka confirmed their second-place finish on the WTC table, ending with a points percentage of 67.54. While India finished third with 50%, it was Australia who earned another ticket to Lord’s.

What Makes This WTC Final Special?

This isn’t just a match between two quality sides it’s a clash of styles and legacies. Australia, a proven juggernaut with a championship pedigree, will take on a hungry South African unit aiming to make history. The Proteas have never played in a WTC final before, and their recent blend of youth and leadership is peaking at the right time.

Lord’s, the home of cricket, adds a layer of prestige. The timing is poetic—South Africa’s rebirth on the international Test scene will be tested under the overcast skies and traditional pressure of one of the sport’s most hallowed venues.