Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma Create History After South Africa Win WTC, Break India's 14-Year-Old World Record
Photo : AP
South Africa finally ended their 27-year-old ICC trophy drought when they clinched the World Test Championship (WTC) title by defeating the might Australia by 5 wickets in the final at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London. In this historic triumph, South Africa pulled off one of the most memorable run-chases in ICC tournament history, with Aiden Markram leading the charge with an unforgettable ton. The Proteas thus managed to break a world record that was held by the Indian team for 14 long years.
South Africa chased down a target of 282 in the fourth innings of the match. This is now the highest target ever chased down in an ICC final. India held this record for 14 years, as they chased down a 275-run target set by Sri Lanka to win the ODI World Cup 2011.
Here are the highest targets chased down in ICC tournament finals:
282 – by South Africa v Australia, WTC 2025
275 – by India v Sri Lanka, ODI World Cup 2011
265 – by New Zealand v India, Champions Trophy 2000
252 – by India v New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025
246 – by South Africa v West Indies, ICC Knockout Trophy 1998
How South Africa Won WTC 2025 Final
South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first in the WTC 2025 final. They were on top of the Australia batters in the first innings, as the defending champions were bundled out for 212. Kagiso Rabada was the star of the show as he picked up a five-wicket haul. Steve Smith scored 66, while Beau Webster slammed 72.
Pat Cummins led from the front in the second innings, as he became the first bowler to pick a 6-wicket haul in an ICC final, with South Africa being bundled out for just 138. The Aussies thus took a lead by 74 runs.
South Africa were on top for most of the third innings, as they limited Australia to 77-7 at one point of time. But a valiant half-century from Mitchell Starc at the fag end of the innings, helped Australia achieve a 281-run lead.
South Africa chased the target down in the fourth innings, thanks to a historic innings of 136 by Aiden Markram. Captain Temba Bavuma also played a brilliant hand scoring 66. The Proteas won by 5 wickets, and finally clinched an ICC title.
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