The World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final at Lord’s brought a historic moment for South African cricket. Facing powerhouse Australia, South Africa clinched their maiden ICC Test title. Central to this memorable victory were Markram and Bavuma in the WTC 2025 Final, whose composed fourth-innings partnership led to a record-breaking chase. This article explores their match-winning performances and the stats that defined the final.
Captain Bavuma’s Remarkable Start
Temba Bavuma has kicked off his tenure as South Africa’s Test captain in spectacular fashion. He’s pulled off an incredible feat by winning 9 out of his first 10 Test matches, tying the remarkable record set by England’s Percy Chapman, who also clinched 9 victories in his first 10 Tests back in the late 1920s.
What’s even more remarkable is that Bavuma is among the select few captains in Test history to stay unbeaten in their first 10 matches. Other notable names who have pulled off this rare achievement include Australia’s Warwick Armstrong and Steven Smith, England’s Colin Cowdrey, MJK Smith, Ray Illingworth, and Mike Brearley, as well as the Indian cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Nari Contractor, and MS Dhoni, alongside the iconic Sir Vivian Richards from the West Indies.
Aiden Markram’s Legacy
This is his third century in the fourth innings of a Test match, placing him in an exclusive group alongside legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Graeme Smith, who have each managed to score four. Now, Markram shares this impressive record with cricketing legends like Herbert Sutcliffe, Geoffrey Boycott, Gordon Greenidge, and Graham Gooch.
He’s also made history as just the sixth visiting player to score a hundred in the fourth innings at Lord’s. His remarkable 136 stands as the fifth-highest individual score by a South African in this scenario. Markram’s century has now earned its place among the legendary fourth-innings performances at Lord’s, joining the ranks of greats like Bradman and Greenidge.
Key Performance in WTC 2025 Final
| Player | Innings | Runs | Notes |
| Aiden Markram | 4th Innings | 136 | Third fourth-innings century at Lord’s by a visitor |
| Temba Bavuma | 4th Innings | 66 | Key contributor in 147-run partnership |
Markram’s 136 is now among the finest fourth-innings knocks by a South African, placing him in an elite list of performers. His knock featured 14 boundaries and was a masterclass in back-foot play. Bavuma, under pressure, stood tall and steady, guiding his side with maturity. Their impressive 147-run partnership has now set the record for the highest fourth-innings stand at Lord’s by any visiting team.
Players’ Contribution for WTC 2025 Final
| Player | Role | Key Contribution |
| Aiden Markram (MoM) | Top-order Batter | Scored 136 (207) in 4th innings; led record chase; 3rd 4th-innings century at Lord’s |
| Temba Bavuma (c) | Captain & Batter | Scored 66 in 4th innings; part of 147-run match-winning stand; tactically sharp captaincy |
| David Bedingham | Middle-order Batter | Played crucial support roles in both innings; steady presence under pressure |
| Kyle Verreynne | Wicketkeeper | Stayed unbeaten in final moments; ensured calm finish to secure victory |
| Kagiso Rabada | Fast Bowler | Took 9 wickets in the match; key breakthroughs in both innings |
| Lungi Ngidi | Fast Bowler | Maintained tight lines; supported pace attack with key spells |
| Marco Jansen | All-rounder | Chipped in with bat and ball; provided balance to the side |
Highest Individual Scores for South Africa in 4th Innings
| Player | Runs | Opposition | Venue, Year |
| Bruce Mitchell | 189 | England | The Oval, 1947 |
| Graeme Smith | 154 | England | Edgbaston, 2008 |
| Aiden Markram | 143 | Australia | Durban, 2018 |
| Dean Elgar | 136 | England | The Oval, 2017 |
| Aiden Markram | 136 | Australia | Lord’s, 2025 |
Conclusion
The WTC 2025 Final was more than just a win; it was a defining chapter in South African cricket. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma didn’t just set new records; they also sparked inspiration in a whole new generation. With this win, South Africa lifted their first ICC Test title and silenced years of near misses. Their heroics in this final will be remembered as one of cricket’s most iconic fourth-innings triumphs.
