South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Cricket is more than just a game in countries like South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard—it’s a passion, a way of life, and sometimes, a battle for pride. When the South Africa National Cricket Team, fondly known as the Proteas, faced off against the Australian Men’s Cricket Team in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final from June 11 to 14, 2025, at Lord’s, it was a clash of titans. This match wasn’t just about runs and wickets; it was about history, redemption, and the chance to lift a coveted trophy. South Africa, long burdened by the “chokers” tag, emerged victorious, ending a 27-year ICC trophy drought with a stunning five-wicket win. Let’s dive into the match, the moments that defined it, and the emotions that made it unforgettable, complete with a detailed scorecard to break it all down.

The Build-Up: Two Giants, One Trophy

The 2025 WTC Final at Lord’s, the “Home of Cricket,” was a dream stage for both teams. South Africa, led by the resilient Temba Bavuma, arrived with a point to prove. Despite a remarkable seven-match Test winning streak, they carried the weight of past disappointments, including a heartbreaking loss in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Australia, the defending champions under Pat Cummins, were no strangers to big moments. With a reshuffled batting order—Marnus Labuschagne opening and Cameron Green at No. 3—they were ready to defend their title. The Lord’s pitch promised early help for pacers, with spin likely to play a role later, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

Day 1: Australia’s Batting Wobble and South Africa’s Fightback

Australia won the toss and chose to bat, a decision Cummins called straightforward given the dry wicket. But South Africa’s pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, had other plans. Rabada was electric, etching his name on the Lord’s honours board with a five-wicket haul. Jansen chipped in with three, and the duo tore through Australia’s top order. Usman Khawaja, Labuschagne, and Steve Smith fell to disciplined bowling, with Smith’s dismissal—a sharp catch off Rabada—highlighting South Africa’s intensity. Australia limped to 212 all out, with Beau Webster’s gritty 50 and a few soft dismissals leaving them 40-50 runs short, as Rabada later cheekily noted.

South Africa’s reply started poorly. Aiden Markram, a key batter, fell for a duck, and the Proteas were soon reeling at 43/4 by stumps. Pat Cummins led Australia’s charge with a fiery 6-28, exploiting the seaming conditions. The day ended with South Africa trailing by 169 runs, their hopes pinned on Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham. It was a day of frustration for the Proteas, but as Wiaan Mulder later said, it set the stage for a fearless approach in their second innings.

Day 2: South Africa’s Collapse and Australia’s Tail Wags

South Africa’s first innings didn’t improve much on Day 2. Rain interrupted play, but Australia’s bowlers, particularly Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, kept the pressure on. The Proteas were bowled out for 138 in 57.1 overs, with Bedingham’s 39 the only resistance. Australia’s 74-run lead felt significant, especially on a pitch still offering movement.

Australia’s second innings started shakily, with Rabada and Jansen again striking early. By the evening, Australia were 73/7, a dramatic collapse sparked by South Africa’s relentless pace. However, Starc and Hazlewood’s stubborn resistance at the tail pushed Australia’s lead past 200. The day ended with South Africa facing a daunting chase of 282, a target that felt even steeper given their first-innings collapse and the historical rarity of such a high fourth-innings chase at Lord’s.

Day 3: Markram and Bavuma Steal the Show

If Day 1 and 2 were about the bowlers, Day 3 belonged to South Africa’s batsmen, particularly Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. Australia added just four more runs in the morning, finishing at 237, with Starc’s 50 and Hazlewood’s 17 frustrating South Africa. Markram, bowling part-time off-spin, finally dismissed Hazlewood, but the damage was done—South Africa needed 282 to win.

The chase began with Ryan Rickelton’s early dismissal, caught behind off Starc. Wiaan Mulder joined Markram for a 69-run stand, showing intent where caution had failed in the first innings. Mulder’s 27 ended tamely, chipping Starc to cover, but the tone was set. Markram and Bavuma, the captain nursing a hamstring injury, then forged a partnership for the ages. Their 143-run stand over 232 balls was a masterclass in grit and smart shot selection. Markram’s sublime 136, including a flicked four off Hazlewood to reach his century, was a career-defining knock. Bavuma, battling pain, scored 65, defying advice to retire hurt.

By stumps, South Africa were 213/2, needing just 69 more runs with eight wickets in hand. Australia’s bowlers, led by Cummins and Nathan Lyon, fought hard but found little help from a flattening pitch. The day ended with South Africa on the brink of history, though their fans, wary of past collapses, remained cautious.

Day 4: History Made at Lord’s

The final day dawned with nerves on both sides. South Africa lost Bavuma early, edging Cummins to the keeper, and Tristan Stubbs fell to Starc with 41 runs still needed. But Markram stood firm, guiding the chase with calm authority. When he fell for 136, picking out midwicket off Cummins, Australia sensed a chance. Yet Kyle Verreynne, with an unbeaten 20, drove the winning runs through the covers, sparking wild celebrations. South Africa finished at 283/5 in 67.2 overs, completing the chase with five wickets to spare at 12:45 pm on a sunny Lord’s afternoon.

The scenes were emotional. Verreynne sprinted to hug his partner, the dressing room erupted, and legends like Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers watched with pride. Keshav Maharaj, in tears, spoke of the team’s journey: “We’ve come a long way as a country. This is for our rainbow nation.” Markram, named Player of the Match, called it “one of the most special days” of his career. Bavuma, lifting the Test Mace, summed it up: “The sun is on us.”

Why This Win Matters

For South Africa, this wasn’t just a victory—it was redemption. The “chokers” tag, born from years of near misses in ICC events, was finally shed. This team, with eight consecutive Test wins, proved they could thrive under pressure. Markram’s 136, the joint-fifth-highest fourth-innings score for South Africa in Tests, and Bavuma’s leadership were pivotal. For Australia, the loss stung, but Cummins graciously acknowledged the Proteas: “They showed why they’re in this final. Deserved champions.”

The match also highlighted Test cricket’s enduring appeal. As Pat Cummins said, “It’s the pinnacle. I love Test cricket.” The WTC Final, a one-game shootout after two years of competition, delivered drama, skill, and history. South Africa’s triumph, in front of a roaring Lord’s crowd, was a moment for the ages.

South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard, ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 Scorecard

South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard Key Moments and Performances

• Aiden Markram’s 136: After a first-innings duck, Markram’s century was a redemption arc. His 18 fours and a six showcased both aggression and composure, earning him the Player of the Match award.
• Temba Bavuma’s Grit: Battling injury, Bavuma’s 65 was a captain’s knock. His 143-run stand with Markram turned the game.
• Kagiso Rabada’s Fire: Rabada’s 5/56 in the first innings and 4/60 in the second were match-defining, proving why he’s among the world’s best.
• Pat Cummins’ Heroics: Cummins’ 6/28 in South Africa’s first innings was a masterclass, though his team fell short.
• The Tail’s Resistance: Starc and Hazlewood’s last-wicket stand in Australia’s second innings pushed the target to 282, keeping the game alive.

The Bigger Picture

This victory was a turning point for South African cricket. For a nation that’s faced heartache in World Cups, this WTC title was a moment of unity and joy. As Bavuma said, “We’ve been knocking on the door… the sun is on us.” For Australia, it was a reminder of Test cricket’s unpredictability, even for a team with their pedigree. The match, played in front of a vibrant Lord’s crowd, was a testament to the format’s enduring drama.