Twitter Reactions: Optimism soars as Temba Bavuma’s South Africa clinches ICC WTC 2025 title

The Proteas won eight of their twelve games going into the WTC final, placing them first in the 2023–25 cycle. Temba Bavuma, the captain, chose to bowl first after winning the toss. With a spectacular five-wicket haul from Kagiso Rabada, South Africa controlled Day 1 and bowled out Australia for 212. Australia’s leading scorers were Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66).

At the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets to win their first-ever ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title. With this victory, the Proteas ended a 27-year drought for a trophy and won their second ICC title, their first since the Wills International Cup in 1998 (later renamed the Champions Trophy).

However, Australia recovered late on Day 1 and quickly took four wickets from South Africa. Australian captain Pat Cummins spearheaded a ferocious bowling attack on Day 2, taking six wickets to reduce South Africa to 138. With 45 runs, David Bedingham led the Proteas in scoring.

Australia sought to record a difficult score in the second innings with a sizable advantage. However, South Africa’s bowlers struck once again; Rabada added four more wickets to his total while Lungi Ngidi claimed three. Australia reached 207 thanks to the hard-fought 58 runs from Mitchell Starc and the 43 from Alex Carey.

In their second innings, South Africa, who were chasing 282 runs, displayed excellent poise. They only needed 63 more runs to reach 213 by the end of Day 3. Day 4 saw Aiden Markram, who had previously reached his century, score 136. Kyle Verreynne sealed a spectacular victory by hitting the game-winning runs.

Temba Bavuma(66) provided him with strong support, and South Africa easily chased down the target.

This monumental victory was significant in South Africa’s history because it not only brought them their first WTC title but also put an end to a protracted ICC trophy drought.

SOUTH AFRICA… Champions FINALLY!! So well deserved!! Mighty congratulations!! 😊

— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) June 14, 2025

Congrats South Africa

Makram and Rabada as a duo is so clutch

U19 World Cup final ✅
World Test Championship Final ✅

— Carlos Brathwaite (@CRBrathwaite26) June 14, 2025

Bosh and Boom 💥 What a win for @ProteasMenCSA they have out skilled and out wanted the Australians. tremendously led by Temba Bavuma. They’re a team that shows how powerful purpose, passion and belief are in shaping the path to a trophy. A glorious day for South Africa

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) June 14, 2025

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa has created history. Rabada was brilliant. Aiden Markram has not only engraved his name on the Lord’s Honours Board but also in the history of South African cricket.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 14, 2025

One of the most phenomenally responsible, nerveless 4th innings centuries in the game from Aiden Markram. Fitting that the former ICCU19World Cup winning captain & (K G Rabada) helps guide Temba Bavuma’s team to the 🌈 Nation’s greatest cricketing moment. ICC WTC Champs 2025.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) June 14, 2025

HOME!!!!! 🏆

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) June 14, 2025

Masterful Markram! Great win by South Africa led by Temba Bavuma. This was a great ad for test cricket. Congratulations to ICC World Test Champions South Africa!@Dafabet

— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) June 14, 2025

Well done southafrica. What a day ! 🇿🇦. Entire country will be proud. ICC test champion ! #SAvsAUS

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) June 14, 2025

A long wait ends. Congratulations to South Africa on a well-deserved ICC title! A special knock from Markram, solid support from Bavuma, and fiery bowling by Rabada and co. sealed the deal. Well done South Africa 🇿🇦🔥🏆 #ICCWTC2025Final @ICC pic.twitter.com/IyKzNkJO8c

— Sandeep Lamichhane (@Sandeep25) June 14, 2025