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South Africa Win First-Ever WTC Trophy; Check All The Key Events Through Images

Abhinav Tyagi

South Africa win WTC title - (Source : AP)South Africa win WTC title - (Source : AP)

South Africa scripted history by lifting their first-ever World Test Championship (WTC) title after beating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s. The match was a nail-biting affair, swinging in both teams’ favour across sessions, but the Proteas ultimately ended their 27-year-long wait and triumphed over the Baggy Greens. This article highlights the key moments of the last four days, illustrated through crucial images.

1. Rabada’s Five-Wicket Haul

Kagiso Rabada's fifer - (Source : AP)Kagiso Rabada's fifer - (Source : AP)

South Africa won the toss and opted to field first. The Proteas started strongly, with Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen picking up early wickets. Rabada, returning for his first international game since his suspension, delivered a memorable performance, taking 5/51 in 15.4 overs.

2. Steve Smith and Beau Webster’s Fifty-Plus Scores

Smith and Webster's fifties - (Source : AP)Smith and Webster's fifties - (Source : AP)

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Steve Smith and Beau Webster steadied Australia’s innings with crucial half-centuries. Smith scored a brilliant 66 (112), while Webster was the top-scorer in the first innings with 72 (92). Their efforts helped Australia post 212 on the board.

3. Pat Cummins’ Six-Wicket Haul

Pat Cummins' fifer - (Source : AP)Pat Cummins' fifer - (Source : AP)

On Day 2, Pat Cummins not only matched Rabada’s heroics but surpassed them with a superb six-wicket haul. The right-arm seamer finished with figures of 6/28, dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup.

4. South Africa’s First-Innings Collapse

Keshav Maharaj's Dismissal - (Source : AP)Keshav Maharaj's Dismissal - (Source : AP)

Despite Pat Cummins’ brilliance, South Africa were 126/5 at one stage and looked set for a competitive total. However, they collapsed dramatically, losing their last five wickets for just 12 runs and ending their innings at 138, giving Australia a 74-run lead.

5. Rabada and Ngidi Stun Australia’s Top Order

Lungi Ngidi Shines In 2nd Innings - (Source : AP)Lungi Ngidi Shines In 2nd Innings - (Source : AP)

South Africa’s bowlers again came out firing in Australia’s second innings. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi triggered a collapse that left Australia reeling at 73/7. Rabada took four wickets, while Ngidi claimed three.

6. Mitchell Starc Scripts History With the Bat

Mitchell Starc's fifty - (Source : AP)Mitchell Starc's fifty - (Source : AP)

Just as the innings appeared to be ending, Mitchell Starc displayed his batting prowess. The left-hander scored an unbeaten 58 (136), hitting five fours. Starc’s knock helped Australia reach 207, setting South Africa a target of 282—the second-highest successful chase at Lord’s.

7. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma’s Solid Partnership

Makram and Bavuma's partnership - (Source : AP)Makram and Bavuma's partnership - (Source : AP)

Chasing 282, South Africa lost two wickets for 70 runs. Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram then took charge, stitching together a crucial partnership of 147 runs for the third wicket. Bavuma was the third to depart, scoring a brilliant 66 (134) with five fours.

8. Markram’s Century

Aiden Markram 's century - (Source : AP)Aiden Markram 's century - (Source : AP)

Markram remained composed and scored a magnificent century—the first of the WTC 2025 final. He was eventually dismissed for 136 (207), including 14 fours.

9. Kyle Verreynne Scores the Winning Runs

Kyle Verreynne scores the winning runs - (Source : AP)Kyle Verreynne scores the winning runs - (Source : AP)

With just six runs required, Kyle Verreynne walked in under pressure. He scored the winning runs off Mitchell Starc’s bowling, etching his name into South African cricket history.

10. Temba Bavuma Lifts the WTC Test Championship Mace

Temba with his son - (Source : AP)Temba with his son - (Source : AP)

Bavuma, undefeated as captain in the WTC cycle, lifted the prestigious WTC Test Championship mace after the final. He ran across the boundary, striking various poses and showing the mace to his son.