The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, which saw South Africa and Australia play at Lord's, has created a new record for broadcast and digital viewing in India. The match that happened from June 11 to June 14 that had great drama ended with South Africa winning by five wickets in their first WTC title.

This third edition of the WTC Final became Star Sports network’s highest-rated and most-watched non-India Test match on television, clocking an impressive 2.94 billion minutes of viewing and reaching 47 million viewers. On digital platforms, the match recorded 225 million views—the highest ever for a non-India Test—nearly matching the audience figures for the 2023 final between India and Australia at The Oval.

A total of 109,227 fans went to Lord's over four days, further demonstrating the fixture's appeal. There were also some astounding performances from Aiden Markram, who scored 136 to win the match in the fourth innings, and Kagiso Rabada, who took nine wickets in the match, which helped South Africa achieve a famous victory.

Jay Shah Hails Global Passion for Test Cricket and Broadcast Excellence

ICC Chairman Jay Shah highlighted the significance of the record-breaking viewership numbers with the news, particularly in India.

“The remarkable viewership numbers for the ICC World Test Championship Final, across both broadcast and digital platforms, are a powerful testament to the appeal of high-quality Test cricket and the elevated context of the WTC Final,” said Shah.
“This format continues to command a loyal and passionate global following and remains an integral part of our sport’s identity.”

The remarkable broadcast and digital audience numbers in India for the @ICC #WTC25 Final clearly shows this format of our sport commands a dedicated following. A special mention to @StarSportsIndia and @JioHotstar for their innovative and immersive coverage of the Ultimate Test. pic.twitter.com/cH4WMGm1qW

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 1, 2025

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He also applauded the role of the ICC’s broadcast partner in enhancing the match experience for viewers.
“A special mention to JioStar, whose innovative and immersive coverage captured the drama, emotion, and atmosphere of the ‘Ultimate Test’ in a way that deeply resonated with audiences around the world.”

“What makes this success even more special is the enthusiasm shown by fans in regions beyond the two competing nations, reaffirming that cricket’s reach is truly international and that the purest form of the game can thrive beyond national affiliations.”

Keshav Maharaj, who was born on 7 February 1990 in Durban, South Africa, is an Indian-origin left-arm orthodox spinner with ancestral ties to Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. One of the most consistent bowlers in South African cricket, he was the supporting pillar of the team that won the 2025 WTC Final, removing Alex Carey and delivering a tight spell in the second innings to support Kagiso Rabada's 9-wicket haul in their record 5-wicket victory over Australia.

South Africa started Day 4 on 213/2, requiring 69 runs to chase the 282-run target. They chased it down successfully in 83.4 overs despite a late fright off Mitchell Starc's 3/66. Aiden Markram's unbeaten 136 (caught by Travis Head off Josh Hazlewood) was the cornerstone of the innings, while David Bedingham (21) and Kyle Verreynne (4)* finished the chase. The win was South Africa's first WTC title and their first ICC trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy.

"In Hanuman I Trust": Maharaj's Faith and Spiritual Strength
Following the victory, Maharaj attributed Lord Hanuman's favor to his team's success, an indication of his strong spiritual faith. According to his post-match remarks, he attributed his trust in Hanuman for strength, a theme that has characterized his cricketing career. The Times of India reported this.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Keshav Maharaj (@keshavmaharaj16)

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Devotion to Hinduism is nothing new for Keshav Maharaj

Maharaj has consistently expressed his Hindu faith on and off the field. Following South Africa’s 2023 World Cup win over Pakistan, he posted “Jai Shree Hanuman” on social media. In 2024, he declared, “I am a devotee of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram,” in reference to his entrance song ‘Ram Siya Ram’, which gained popularity among fans.

His bat, emblazoned with the ‘Om’ symbol, went viral during the 2023 World Cup, symbolizing the spiritual strength he draws from his beliefs. From spinning out top batters to inspiring fans with his unwavering faith, Keshav Maharaj stands not just as a cricketer but as a symbol of dedication—both to his craft and to his spiritual roots.

'Om' 🕉 symbol seen on the bat of South African player Keshav Maharaj, Picture goes viral on SM pic.twitter.com/FGxNMF62xK

— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 18, 2023

Rishabh Pant posted a heartfelt message for his Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) teammate Aiden Markram after the historic win of South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who is with India's team gearing up for the England Test series, took to social media to praise Markram's match-winning century over Australia on Saturday, June 14.

Pant, who led LSG in the just-concluded IPL 2025, has grown close to foreign teammates Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram. Although LSG missed out on a playoff spot, both Markram and Pooran impressed with the bat, scoring 445 and 524 runs, respectively. Earlier this week, Pant also paid tribute to Pooran after the West Indies star announced his retirement from international cricket.

In the wake of South Africa's five-wicket win over Australia, which finally ended their ICC title drought, Pant lauded Markram's calmness and brilliance during the final. Addressing him as his "brother," India's star player wrote:

A Bond Beyond Franchises

"Well played, Aiden, brother. I am so happy for you—what a great knock under pressure. You have made us all proud, and congratulations to South Africa on lifting the WTC mace," Pant tweeted on X.

Well played, Aiden brother . I am so happy for you - what a great knock under pressure. You have made us all proud and congratulations to South Africa on lifting the WTC mace.👏🏆 pic.twitter.com/YNqaj4gFis

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) June 14, 2025

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Pant is already in Kent, taking part in India's intra-squad warm-up match as part of their build-up to the five-Test series against England, which starts on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. South Africa, on the other hand, will play a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe from June 28 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

South Africa, at last, have managed to overcome their ICC knockout jinx by clinching their maiden ICC title win in nearly 27 years. The Proteas' opening batter Aiden Markram played an instrumental role in propelling the Rainbow Nation on the path of glory on the back of his resilient match-winning knock of 136. With the WTC Final coming to an end, Markram opened up about how South Africa's painful T20 World Cup Final defeat last year inspired him to strive for glory. 

Being the captain of the South African side at that time, South Africa came agonizingly close to clinching their maiden T20 World Cup title, but just threw it away in the dying moments of the run chase to fall seven runs short. A year later, the 30-year-old ensured that there was no stone left unturned. 

See also: Watch: South Africa lifts Test mace after winning WTC Final 2025

Markram unravels the key motivating factor behind his match-winning knock

While speaking about his heroic knock during the post-match presentation, Markram took the clock back to 2024 and reflected on how hopeless he and his entire team felt when they crashed out of the T20 World Cup final against India. Knowing that the team was within touching distance of creating glory, and to meet such a disappointing end was certainly a tough pill for the SA skipper to swallow. 

But an inner voice from within gave him the faintest of encouragements, making him feel that it was probably not a great idea to sit in one place and sulk your life away over a defeat.

"I thought a lot about the T20 World Cup last night and how hopeless I felt sitting on the side after getting out. I was like, I don't want to sit there again. So, this gave me a bit of motivation to make sure I stayed at the crease, if I could. But never once thought about the achievements and what would come with it. It was always about just trying to get the job done and trying to win."

Markram responded with force and resilience when South Africa took the field in the second innings. The team, after being annihilated for 138 in the first innings, had a lot of catching up to do against a quality pace attack from Australia. Markram soaked in a lot of pressure early doors and forged a defiant 147-run stand to roll back the Australian aggression.

Markram offered the bulk of the resistance and produced one of the most epic innings of the ICC finals, scoring 136 off 207 to power his side to a five-wicket win. While doing so, Markram is now the third batter to have a century against Australia in an ICC final, after Clive Llyod and Aravinda de Silva.

South Africa manage to do the unthinkable at Lord's by clinching their first-ever ICC title since 1998. History has been made as South Africa managed to come from behind, getting bowled out cheaply for 138 in the first innings, to trump the tournament favorites Australia in a thumping fashion in the World Test Championship Final 2025. The South African wicket-keeper batter Kyle Verreynne seized the winning moment by hitting the winning runs and getting South Africa over the line by five wickets. 

The South African camp was all smiles, and celebrations erupted in the stands when Verreynne hit that boundary. This historic WTC Final win meant so huge that even on-air commentators such as Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock were overwhelmed with emotions.

See also: [WATCH] WTC Final 2025: Kyle Verreynne takes stunning one-handed catch down leg side to dismiss Travis Head in SA vs AUS

Watch the winning moment:

2 mins clip of full drama for 1 runs 😭
And winning moment for south africa 🗿

What a months for ABD
and this years comes for non trophy team 🔥

Well played smith ❤️

New champion of WTC is SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/pEyUAr9JlH

— VIRAT ARMY 💫❤️ (@VIRAT_FANPAGE_1) June 14, 2025

Needless to say, it was a battle for the ages. The fierce rivalry between Australia and South Africa had us all on the edge of our seats for four straight days. The Proteas gave the defending champions a tough fight. Despite some sporadic brilliance from Australia in certain phases of the game, South African players stepped up when it mattered the most. Markram and Bavuma set the tone and put on a match-winning stand of 147 runs under tricky circumstances to give South Africa an outright chance of emerging victorious in the final. Although the latter was removed early doors on day four, Markram pushed on and amassed 136 runs to see his side home. The two powerhouses battled it out and gave it their all, but as it turns out, it is South Africa who will now have the possession of the WTC Test mace and be heading home proudly. 

It was years in the waiting for the Rainbow Nation. The Proteas encountered several hiccups and heartbreaks in the ICC events, the most recent of which was their shocking defeat against India in the T20 World Cup 2024. The ICC title would agonizingly elude them for generations, and an elimination certainly seemed to be on the cards if they ever made it to the knockout phase. But this dynamic South African team defied all odds and ended their 27-year-long drought by registering a memorable ICC title win in the WTC 2025 Final.

Day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's witnessed South Africa etch their name in history, chasing down 282 to win by 5 wickets and securing their first WTC title. Resuming at 213/2, needing 69 runs, South Africa faced a late scare as Australia’s bowlers struck thrice, but David Bedingham's calm 21* and Kyle Verreynne's unflappable 4* saw them through to victory in 83.4 overs. Mitchell Starc's incendiary 3/66 presented a challenge, but the resistance of South Africa, spearheaded by Aiden Markram's match-winning 136 before he was sent back to the pavilion, broke a long drought. The day, where three wickets were lost, topped a nail-biting Test match with South Africa deserving champions.

South Africa 2nd Innings: 282/5, Win by 5 Wickets

South Africa resumed at 213/2 (56 overs), needing 69 runs to win. The chase hit turbulence as Mitchell Starc (3/66 in 14.4 overs) dismissed Temba Bavuma (66 off 134, caught by Alex Carey) and Tristan Stubbs (8 off 43, bowled), reducing South Africa to 241/4. Josh Hazlewood (1/58 in 19 overs) removed Aiden Markram (136 off 207, 14 fours, caught Travis Head), ending his historic knock at 276/5, with 6 runs still needed. Pat Cummins (1/59 in 17 overs) had earlier dismissed Wiaan Mulder (27 off 50, caught by Marnus Labuschagne) on Day 3, while Ryan Rickelton (6 off 8, caught by Carey) also fell early. However, David Bedingham’s steady 21* off 49 (1 four) and Kyle Verreynne’s unbeaten 4* off 13 forged a crucial 6-run sixth-wicket stand, guiding South Africa to 282/5 in 83.4 overs. Markram’s century, his third in a fourth innings, placed him among Lord’s elites like Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge. Australia’s bowlers, including Nathan Lyon (0/66 in 26 overs), toiled on a flattening pitch, but South Africa’s resolve, as emphasized by coach Shukri Conrad, secured the historic win.

South Africa 2nd Innings – 282/5 (83.4 Overs)

See Also: Watch: Dream delivery from Mitchell Starc takes the wicket of Tristan Stubbs during WTC Final 2025

Key Moments: SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025

• Markram’s Match-Defining Ton: Aiden Markram’s 136* earned him Player of the Match as his fourth-innings century at Lord’s adds to his legacy next to the greats.
• Late Drama: Starc’s double strike taking Bavuma and Stubbs up until that point made a great contest out of it when South Africa were 241/4.
• South Africa’s Historic Triumph: South Africa became the fourth team to beat Australia in an ICC final after 20+ years of heartbreak, with Markram’s redemptive 136 and a lion-hearted skipper Temba Bavuma ending a 27 year drought for an ICC trophy; Kagiso Rabada’s 9 wickets in both innings sealed the triumph in a year of breaking trophy droughts
• Bedingham’s Calm Finish: David Bedingham’s unbeaten 21 steadied the chase as South Africa crossed the line once Verreynne was dismissed.

Day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's saw South Africa take control, reaching 213/2 in 56 overs while chasing 282, where they needed a mere 69 runs to win their maiden WTC title. Australia, resuming at 144/8, were all out for 207 in 65 overs for a target of 282, courtesy of a spirited 59-run ninth-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Aiden Markram's 102 not out and Temba Bavuma's determined 65 fueled South Africa's run chase with a 143 unbroken third-wicket stand, swinging the game their way. With just four wickets lost, Day 3 was a turnabout from the bowler-dominated first two days, after which the stage is set for a thriller Day 4.

Australia 2nd Innings: Bowled Out for 207, Set 282-Run Target

Australia came back at 144/8 (40 overs) and finished at 207/10 in 65 overs, leaving South Africa with a target of 282. Mitchell Starc's dogged 58* from 136 (5 fours) and Josh Hazlewood's 17 from 53 ensured a vital 59-run ninth-wicket partnership, which goaded South Africa's bowlers. Kagiso Rabada (4/59 in 18 overs) sent Nathan Lyon packing early (2 off 13, lbw) and then bowled out Hazlewood (caught by Keshav Maharaj, bowled Aiden Markram, 1/5 in 2 overs). Lungi Ngidi (3/38 in 13 overs) got rid of Steve Smith (13 off 25, lbw), Beau Webster (9 off 11, lbw), and Pat Cummins (6 off 5). Marco Jansen (1/58 in 18 overs) sent back Marnus Labuschagne (22 off 64, caught by Kyle Verreynne), while Wiaan Mulder (1/18 in 8 overs) got rid of Travis Head (9 off 18). Despite fielding lapses, including a dropped catch of Starc by Jansen on Day 2, South Africa restricted Australia, but the pitch, easing from Days 1 and 2, allowed a challenging target.

South Africa 2nd Innings: 213/2, Need 69 Runs

South Africa’s chase began with early losses, with Mitchell Starc (2/53 from 9 overs) removing Ryan Rickelton (6 off 8, caught by Alex Carey) and Wiaan Mulder (27 off 50, caught by Marnus Labuschagne), reducing them to 70/2. However, Aiden Markram’s masterful 102* off 159 (11 fours) and Temba Bavuma’s resilient 65* off 121 (5 fours), despite a hamstring injury, forged an unbroken 143-run third-wicket stand, taking South Africa to 213/2 by stumps. Markram’s century, his third in a fourth innings, placed him among elite visiting batters at Lord’s, like Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge. Bavuma’s determined knock, battling injury, showcased his captaincy resolve. Australia's bowling lineup, led by Pat Cummins (0/36 off 10 overs), Josh Hazlewood (0/43 off 13 overs), and Nathan Lyon (0/51 off 18 overs), struggled as the pitch leveled out, according to reports. South Africa’s fearless approach, as noted by Wiaan Mulder, left them 69 runs away from a historic win.

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WTC Final 2025 – Day 3, SA vs AUS: Match Scorecard

Australia 2nd Innings – 207/10 (65 Overs)

South Africa 2nd Innings – 213/2 (56 Overs)

One of the most well-known cricket grounds in the world is London's Lord's Cricket Ground. Known as the "Home of Cricket," it has played host to numerous historic Test matches. At Lord's, it is difficult to win a match by chasing a large target in the fourth innings. In the final days, the pitch becomes rougher and slower, making it difficult for hitters to hold their own against excellent bowling.

• South Africa 2nd Innings: 94/2 in 24 overs (57.1 overs total)
• Tea Break Status: Trailing by 188 runs (target: 282)
• Current Run Rate (CRR): 3.92

As we anticipate the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa, let's take a look at the most successful 200-run chases in Test history at Lord's. Interestingly, prior to this final, there had only been three such chases.

1. England – West Indies – 342/1 (1984)

When the West Indies team chased down a target of 342 runs in the fourth innings in 1984, it was the most successful run chase at Lord's. Gordon Greenidge, who scored an unbeaten 214 runs, was the match star. Larry Gomes, who was not out on 92 runs. One of the most memorable wins in Test cricket was achieved by the West Indies, who took just one wicket and easily chased the total. This chase stunned England and demonstrated the 1980s West Indies team's strength. It was a batting masterclass, demonstrating timing, patience, and when necessary, power hitting.

2. England vs. New Zealand, 282/3 (2004)

When England chased 282 runs against New Zealand in 2004, it was the second-highest successful chase at Lord's.Two English greats stood out in this game: Nasser Hussain scored an undefeated 103, and Andrew Strauss scored 112 runs. With just three wickets lost, their composed and assured partnership helped England win handily. Since it was Nasser Hussain's final Test match, this one was especially memorable. After he hit the winning runs, he declared his retirement. At the Home of Cricket, his century and game-winning performance made for the ideal send-off.

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3. England vs. New Zealand, 277/5, 2022

   In 2022, England tried to reach another lofty goal of 277 runs, this time against New Zealand. This time, Joe Root's outstanding unbeaten 115 led the team to victory. Ben Stokes, who was recently named captain, led this victory. Fans came to refer to the team's aggressive and upbeat style of cricket as "Bazball," which was characterized by a fearless batting approach.In addition to securing the win, Root's innings became a landmark in English cricket history as it saw him surpass 10,000 career Test runs.

Day 2 of the  World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's was a gripping, bowler-dominated spectacle, with 14 wickets tumbling. South Africa began the day at 43/4 and were bowled out for 138 in 57.1 overs, conceding a 74-run lead to Australia’s first-innings total of 212. Australia reached 144/8 in their second innings, Leading by 218 runs at stumps. Pat Cummins' sensational 6/28 and Kagis Rabada's 3/44 were the standout bowlers on Day 2, while Alex Carey’s resilient batting kept Australia in control, setting the stage for a thrilling Day 3.

South Africa 1st Innings: Bowled Out for 138

South Africa began at 43/4 (22 overs) but collapsed to 138/10 in 57.1 overs. Temba Bavuma (36 off 84, 4 fours, 1 six) and David Bedingham (45 off 111, 6 fours) gave some resistance through a 50-run fifth-wicket stand, driving the total to 93/4. But Pat Cummins' superb 6/28 in 18.1 overs inspired a stunning collapse. Cummins, on his 300th Test scalp, sent back Bavuma, Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (13 off 39, lbw), Marco Jansen (0 off 3, caught), Keshav Maharaj (7 off 15, run-out), and Kagiso Rabada (1 off 6, caught). Mitchell Starc (2/41) got rid of Aiden Markram (0 off 2) and Ryan Rickelton (16 off 34), and Josh Hazlewood (1/27) sent back Tristan Stubbs (2 off 13). Lungi Ngidi (8 off 22, Nathan Lyon bowled, 1/23) was the last wicket, and the last six wickets contributed 45 runs (12 extras included). South Africa's failure to capitalize on their overnight position gave Australia a 74-run lead.

Australia 2nd Innings: 144/8, Lead by 218

The second innings of Australia totaled 144/8 in 40 overs, increasing their lead to 218 runs. Alex Carey's belligerent 43 off 50 (5 fours) and Mitchell Starc's undefeated 16 off 47 between them crafted a match-winning 61-run eighth-wicket partnership, taking Australia from 73/7. Kagiso Rabada (3/44) sent early strikes to Usman Khawaja (6 off 23, caught), Cameron Green (0 off 2, caught), and Carey (lbw). Lungi Ngidi (3/35) sent packing Steve Smith (13 off 25, lbw), Beau Webster (9 off 11, lbw), and Pat Cummins (6 off 5, lbw). Marco Jansen (1/31) sent back Marnus Labuschagne (22 off 64), and Wiaan Mulder (1/14) removed Travis Head (9 off 18). South Africa's fielding errors, such as dropped catches and no-balls by Rabada, helped Australia secure a huge lead. Nathan Lyon (1* off 4) and Starc were present on the field at stumps, with Australia in command.

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WTC Final 2025 – Day 2 Match Scorecard: South Africa vs Australia

South Africa 1st Innings – 138/10 (57.1 Overs)

Australia 2nd Innings – 144/8 (40 Overs)

A dismal show with the bat from the Proteas have given Australia a healthy 74-run lead going into the second innings of the ongoing World Test Championship Final clash. The fact that they were way behind the race this early did not seem to bother the South African speedster Kagiso Rabada. During the second Australian innings, Rabada once again managed to get the better of Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green, very reminiscent of the way he did in the first innings. In fact, what was more fascinating to see was the way the two batters were removed almost instantly in quick succession. 

During the 11th over, Rababa ran riot at the Aussie batters and drew the first blood by having Khawaja nick to Kyle Verreynne behind the stumps. The wheels were set in motion as only a couple of balls later, Green followed suit and got out exactly the same way he did in the first innings. Being tentative with his footwork, Green poked hard, and the ball flew off his outside edge and into the hands of Mulder at second slip. 

See also: [WATCH] WTC Final 2025: Kyle Verreynne takes stunning one-handed catch down leg side to dismiss Travis Head in SA vs AUS

Watch the double-blow carnage unfold:

Wait… this isn’t a replay of the first innings? 👀#KagisoRabada strikes twice in an over again, removing #UsmanKhawaja and #CameronGreen in quick succession! 💪🏻

Is this the spark 🇿🇦 needed to ignite a comeback in the #WTCFinal?

LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/w3cUVnQ8YL#SAvAUS |… pic.twitter.com/xCEE57q3DU

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 12, 2025

The double-blow from Rabada in that over may have given South Africa a spark and perhaps a glimmer of hope to make a comeback of sorts. But despite that early wobble, Australia are well and truly in the driver's seat and lead by a mammoth 117 runs at the time of writing. South Africa will certainly rue the fact that their batters failed to cash in after the lunch interval and disintegrated rather quickly to give Australia a massive advantage. But all their hopes are now pinned on Rabada as he seems to be the one who is doing all the hard work to keep South Africa's WTC aspirations alive.