Proteas Win WTC Final: 27-Year Wait Over as South Africa Test Champions

27-Year Wait Is Over as Proteas Pen a New Chapter in Their Cricket History

At Lord’s on Saturday, 14 June 2025, history was made. After 9,722 days—nearly 27 years—South Africa’s men’s cricket team broke their major ICC trophy drought by beating Australia by five wickets in the inaugural World Test Championship Final. This wasn’t a win just for the current team—it was a payoff for every generation of Proteas. The echoes of 1998 finally met present-day acclaim.

A Milestone 27 Years in the Making

Between their landmark ICC Knockout Trophy win in 1998 and this moment at Lord’s, the Proteas became known for near-misses—true “chokers” in big finals. But this chase of 282, completed in 27.4 overs on Day Four, solidified a new identity. Every run from Aiden Markram’s majestic 136 and every wicket by Kagiso Rabada’s nine across the match became emblematic of enduring resilience.

Kiwi Grit and South African Flair

Australia’s hosts set the scene, but South Africa’s bowlers seized the initiative. Rabada claimed 5 for 51 in the first innings, earning a place in both team dressing-room honor boards . Lungi Ngidi, returning from injury, shattered Australia’s middle for 3 for 38, including the prized wicket of Steve Smith. The Aussie tail dug in with 207, but the pitch eased in South Africa’s favor.

Bavuma and Markram: Backbone of the Chase

Fighting a hamstring strain, captain Temba Bavuma anchored the innings with 66 runs, a gritty display of leadership under pressure. But it was Aiden Markram, whose unbeaten 102 carried them to the brink. Their 147-run partnership dismantled Australia’s grip and plunged the Proteas into the annals of Test cricket.

Emotion and Validation on a Global Stage

At the fall of the last wicket, Kyle Verreynne punched the winning run—a full-forward cover drive—setting off joyous scenes. Former great Dale Steyn was openly emotional, his tears signaling the release of national pent-up longing. Yuvraj Singh congratulated them, lightening the moment with a playful jab at Australia.

CSA Applauds a Team of Character

CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki hailed this triumph as a tribute to those who came before and those yet to come, underlining the squad’s resilience over two years . Enoch Nkwe, Director of National Teams, described the performance as “unwavering commitment… etched into the history books,” adding depth to an already unforgettable series.

Redefining the “Choker” Image

Throughout the final, sledges from Australia—including the infamous “choke” remark—simply became fuel. Bavuma responded: “This win squashes that”. As Markram noted, the team had been on the brink before—but now the question of mental fragility is firmly laid to rest.

Seasons and Continents Collide

South Africa’s eighth consecutive Test win—spread across four continents—showcases adaptability and depth . It wasn’t just luck, but a stitch of performance, patience, and peak timing.

Building Toward the Future

The momentum from Lord’s is expected to carry forward. With the ODI World Cup coming to South Africa in less than two years, many of these players—Bavuma, Markram, Rabada, Ngidi—will be central to coach Shukri Conrad’s white-ball strategy. As reminders of national achievement and unity, their presence transcends formats.

Return Home: A Hero’s Welcome

The team will land back in Johannesburg this Wednesday at 09:25 SAST, where fans and media await their heroes at O.R. Tambo Airport. Signs around the city already read: “Welcome home, ICC World Test Champions.”

A New Era Begins

This is more than a trophy—it’s a message: No dream insurmountable; no legacy too heavy to bear. South Africa’s narrative has evolved—from apartheid-era banishment, post-1991 restoration, decades of finals heartbreak, through to ultimate triumph. As CSA’s leadership emphasized, this moment belongs to the legends of the past and the spark of generations to follow .