Sat Jun 14 14:19:08 UTC 2025: ## South Africa Breaks Title Drought, Clinches WTC Championship in Thrilling Victory Over Australia
**London, UK** – In a historic moment for South African cricket, the Proteas have overcome their infamous “chokers” tag to defeat defending champions Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The victory marks South Africa’s first major ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy, ending a 27-year drought.
South Africa resumed play on Saturday needing just 29 runs for victory, and they chased it down comfortably before lunch, finishing on 282-5. Opener Aiden Markram was the hero of the chase, anchoring the innings with a magnificent 136.
The match was a tense affair, with Australia relentlessly attacking and the Proteas showing great composure. South Africa lost three wickets during the morning session but never relinquished control.
“We’ve come a long way as a team, as a country,” said an emotional Keshav Maharaj after the win. “After 27 years of pain, to finally get over the line is super emotional.”
The victory was set up on Friday by an unbeaten 143-run partnership between Markram and captain Temba Bavuma, who contributed a solid 66. While both fell before the winning runs were scored, their efforts ensured South Africa were within touching distance of the title.
Despite the loss, Australia showed great sportsmanship, applauding Markram off the field after his dismissal and congratulating the South African team on their victory.
This WTC title holds special significance for South Africa, a nation that has endured heartbreaking losses on the biggest stages of world cricket. But London 2025 will be remembered as the moment the Proteas shed their underdog status and secured their place in cricketing history. The team’s success is expected to unite the nation and further cement cricket’s popularity in South Africa.
First Piper 