South Africa Wins WTC 2025: Defeats Australia by 5 Wickets, Ends 26-Year ICC Trophy Drought - best11

South Africa has clinched the World Test Championship title by defeating Australia by five wickets, ending a 26-year wait for an ICC trophy since their 1998 Champions Trophy win, then called the Mini World Cup. Led by Temba Bavuma, they chased down 282 runs in style.

South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl. Australia scored 212 in their first innings, while South Africa managed 138, giving Australia a strong lead. Australia set a target of 282 with 207 in their second innings. South Africa overcame early hiccups, with favorable batting conditions helping them secure victory.

Aiden Markram starred in South Africa’s second innings, scoring 136 off 207 balls. Captain Temba Bavuma contributed 66 off 134 balls, while Mulder scored 27, and Stubbs disappointed with 8. David Bedingham (21 off 49) and Verreynne (4 off 13) guided the team to victory. Mitchell Starc took three wickets for Australia, with Hazelwood and Cummins claiming one each, but it wasn’t enough. South Africa sealed the WTC triumph.