Markram’s Century Powers South Africa to Historic 5-Wicket Win Over Australia in WTC Final

For decades, South Africa experienced heartbreak at the knockout phase of international cricket tournaments, but they finally broke that curse by securing their first ICC World Test Championship title.

In a thrilling encounter at Lord's on Saturday, they overpowered reigning champions Australia by five wickets on the fourth day of the 2025 WTC Final.

Beginning the day at a promising 213/2 in chase of 282, South Africa were on the threshold of history. Yet, with their checkered history in high-stakes knockout matches — especially against a powerhouse like Australia — the euphoria was matched by caution.

Aiden Markram, resuming the innings on 102 not out, continued to play aggressively. His strokeplay paved the way for South Africa's successful pursuit, which ended in a magnificent 136. This win gave the Proteas victory in 83.4 overs and stretched their Test winning streak to eight consecutive games.

Markram, previously having guided South Africa to the U19 World Cup in 2014, was again in the center of a grand achievement. They won their first senior ICC competition since winning the 1998 Champions Trophy, which was then called the ICC KnockOut.

The day started with a stutter as Temba Bavuma, who had battled doggedly, got out early for 55 after being edged off a rising delivery by Pat Cummins to the keeper. With off-spinner Nathan Lyon starting to get some spin from the surface, runs ceased and pressure rose on the Proteas.

Markram was unperturbed, though, with a few assertive boundaries off Cummins, calming nerves. Australia remained in touch, nonetheless, when Mitchell Starc bowled a nervous Tristan Stubbs, finding his defense and flying leg stump past.

Australia's desperation was there for all to see as they wasted their last review unnecessarily, and the South African pursuit built relaxed momentum. Markram and David Bedingham took turns rotating strike pleasingly, keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

Bedingham brought the needed runs below 20 with an elegant on-drive from Cummins, and there was applause from the crowd of South Africans present in the ground. The commotion increased still further when Markram helicoptered Hazlewood through mid-wicket for four, and then contributed three more runs in the same manner off the very next ball.

Even though Markram was not present at the finish — dismissed by Hazlewood for a match-defining 136 — it was Kyle Verreynne who provided the final flourish with a boundary through the cover-point area off Starc. That stroke set off scenes of delirium among teammates, spectators, and former cricketers both in London and back home.

Match Summary:

Australia: 212 & 207
South Africa: 138 & 282/5 in 83.4 overs
(Markram 136, Bavuma 66; Starc 3/66, Hazlewood 1/58)

Score: South Africa won by five wickets.