- June 15, 2025
RSA vs AUS (Final) – Highlights
In a pulsating finale at Lord’s, South Africa scripted a historic five-wicket victory over Australia to claim the ICC World Test Championship crown on June 14, 2025. Chasing a challenging target of 282 on the final day, the Proteas showcased composure, grit, and technical mastery to cross the finish line at 282/5, with Aiden Markram emerging as the architect of this remarkable triumph.
Markram’s sublime innings of 136 off 207 balls anchored South Africa’s run chase, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. His knock, laced with 14 boundaries, was a fine blend of patience and controlled aggression. Markram partnered effectively with captain Temba Bavuma, who contributed a steady 66 runs from 134 deliveries, as the duo added 147 runs for the third wicket—a stand that effectively wrested the momentum from Australia’s grasp.
Earlier, Australia posted 212 runs in their first innings, with Steven Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) providing crucial resistance after the top order crumbled. Kagiso Rabada led the South African attack with a five-wicket haul (5/51), ably supported by Marco Jansen (3/49). Rabada’s incisive spells exposed Australia’s frailties, dismantling their batting lineup at key intervals.
In response, South Africa faltered initially in their first innings, managing just 138 runs. Pat Cummins was sensational, returning figures of 6/28 as he tore through the Proteas’ order. Mitchell Starc (2/41) and Josh Hazlewood (1/27) provided valuable support, giving Australia a slender advantage at the halfway stage of the match.
Australia’s second innings mirrored their first, as Rabada (4/59) and Lungi Ngidi (3/38) combined to stifle the batting unit. Carey’s fighting 43 and a gritty 58* from Starc helped Australia post 207, setting South Africa a challenging target on a wearing pitch.
The final innings of the match saw South Africa recover from early blows. Ryan Rickelton (6) and Wiaan Mulder (27) fell relatively cheaply, but the calm heads of Markram and Bavuma kept the scoreboard ticking and nullified the threat posed by Starc (3/66) and Cummins (1/59). Even when Tristan Stubbs departed for 8, Markram and David Bedingham (21*) ensured that the Proteas stayed on course. The winning runs came amid high tension, with Kyle Verreynne (4*) at the crease alongside Bedingham.
Australia’s bowlers toiled hard, but they couldn’t dislodge the set batters at crucial junctures. Nathan Lyon, despite bowling 26 overs, remained wicketless, unable to find the sharp turn or bounce needed to trouble the resilient South African middle order.
This victory marks a monumental achievement for South Africa, sealing their first ICC World Test Championship title and etching their names in the annals of Test cricket history. Their triumph was a result of collective resolve, individual brilliance, and unwavering determination under pressure. The match will long be remembered as a testament to the enduring charm and competitive spirit of the longest format of the game.
South Africa vs Australia Scoreboard
Australia (1st innings) – 212/10 (56.4)
South Africa (1st innings)– 138/10 (57.1)
Australia (2nd innings) – 207/10 (65.0)
South Africa (2nd innings)– 282/5 (83.4)
Result – South Africa won by 5 wickets
Player of the match – Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram
RSA vs AUS Playing XIs
South Africa | Temba Bavuma (c), Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Lungi Ngidi |
Australia | Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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