After recording a 150+ score on his Test debut innings, Lhuan-dre Pretorius was stunned by an unplayable turning delivery in South Africa's second innings of the first Test against the hosts Zimbabwe at Bulawayo, which dismissed him cheaply. 

South Africa are expectedly dominating in the two-match Test series opener against the hosts Zimbabwe. After a horrible start, Test debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius produced a powerful performance which guided the Proteas to manage the first innings total of 418/9 decl. Apart from one more century and another half-century, Pretorius was the highest scorer in that innings by scoring 153 off 160 balls with 11 fours and four sixes. While he was the third South African to score 150+ runs on Test debut innings, Pretorius also recorded the youngest to score 150+ runs in a Test innings. 

Zimbabwe replied with 251 all out, while South Africa then scored 369 runs to set up a fourth innings target of 537 runs. 

See Also: Yashasvi Jaiswal reportedly removed from slip fielding during India’s practice session ahead of 2nd Test vs England in 2025 series

Vincent Masekesa bowled Lhuan-dre Pretorius with a stunning delivery

During South Africa's second innings of the match, Pretorius came to bat in the 33rd over after the dismissal of David Bedingham (35) during the first session of the third day. However, his dream Test debut brought a stunning story for him with an unplayable turning delivery. Leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa bowled a dream delivery as his outside the off-stump delivery took a huge turn after hitting on the footmarks and bowled the Test debutant for only four runs, as the ball hit the top of the middle stump. 

Pretorius was stunned by that dismissal, while the commentators were also shocked and amazed by that unplayable delivery. Surely, it will be counted as one of the best deliveries in 2025. 

WHAT A PEACH BY MASEKESA. 🤯pic.twitter.com/oBbNEJkSfA

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 30, 2025

Wiaan Mulder scored century during South Africa's second innings

During South Africa's second innings, Wiaan Mulder recorded his second Test century (147), while there were some other supports in that innings, including captain Keshav Maharaj's 51 runs. 

Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett has been ruled out of the remainder of the first Test against South Africa in Bulawayo after suffering a mild concussion. The 21-year-old was struck on the helmet by a bouncer from Kwena Maphaka on Day 2 while attempting a pull shot. The ball took a top edge and hit him on the head. Although Bennett initially cleared the on-field concussion test and continued batting, he soon appeared uncomfortable and retired hurt shortly after.

He managed to score 19 off 25 balls before walking off the field, having faced just three more deliveries from South African debutant Codi Yusuf. Later in the day, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed that Bennett had sustained a mild concussion and, following standard protocols, would take no further part in the match. His absence is a blow to Zimbabwe, as they face a strong South African side in this important Test at Queens Sports Club.

See Also: [WATCH] Dewald Brevis scores half century on debut against Zimbabwe in ongoing first Test match

"Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett will play no further part in the ongoing Test match against South Africa at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo after being diagnosed with a mild concussion. As per concussion protocols, he will take no further part in the match. Prince Masvaure has been named as his replacement, making his 10th appearance in Test cricket," the Zimbabwean press release stated.

Prince Masvaure called in as a replacement

In line with the ICC’s concussion substitute rules, Prince Masvaure was named as the replacement for Brian Bennett. The 36-year-old left-handed batter is set to make his 10th Test appearance. Masvaure last featured in a Test match against Ireland in July 2024, where he impressed with a half-century. His recent form in the 2024–25 Logan Cup has also been encouraging, having scored 165 runs across five innings at an average of 41.25, with a top score of an unbeaten 50.

South Africa declared first innings at 418/9 in the match earlier thanks to centuries from Lhuan-Dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch. Zimbabwe's reply got off to a rough start, losing both of their openers, Takudzwanashe Kaitano on a duck and Nick Welch on four, in the first five overs. However, experienced players Sean Williams (45) and Craig Ervine (24) held the innings together until lunch, guiding Zimbabwe to reach the break at 94/3.

South Africa’s veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj has etched his name into the history books, becoming the first spinner from his country to pick up 200 wickets in Test cricket. The milestone came during the ongoing first Test between South Africa and Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Taking the field as stand-in skipper in Temba Bavuma's absence, Maharaj led from the front both tactically and with the ball. His landmark moment arrived on Day 2 of the Test when he dismissed Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine, who was stumped by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. That wicket not only pegged back the hosts but also took Maharaj to the coveted 200-wicket mark.

South Africa’s Spin Crown Finds a New King in Maharaj

The achievement is significant in South Africa’s cricketing context, where seamers have traditionally dominated the wickets column. Maharaj is now the first spinner from the country to breach the 200-wicket barrier in the longest format. He surpassed the long-standing record held by Hugh Tayfield, who finished his career with 170 Test wickets.

Cricket South Africa acknowledged the moment with a heartfelt post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter): "HISTORY MADE! Keshav Maharaj claims his 200th Test wicket, the very first South African spinner to reach this milestone. A monumental milestone for our world-class left-arm spinner, written into the history books with pride and passion! This one’s for the ages, Kesh!”

With Bavuma sidelined due to a hamstring strain, Maharaj stepped up to captain the Proteas. He had already impressed with his leadership in domestic circuits, and now has a remarkable achievement to show in his first outing as national Test captain.

On the field, South Africa dominated from the outset. Centuries from Lhuan-dre Pretorius (153) and Corbin Bosch (100*) helped the Proteas post an imposing 418/9 before declaring. Maharaj followed up with a controlled spell of 3/70 in 16.4 overs as Zimbabwe were bundled out for 251. Wiaan Mulder supported with 4/50.

ALSO SEE: 'Will I be able to play...'— surprising revelation about Rishabh Pant ahead of ENG vs IND 2nd Test

Consistent Performer Across Conditions

Maharaj’s journey to 200 wickets has been built on persistence, skill, and adaptability. Here's a closer look at his numbers:

• 202 wickets in 59 Tests at an average of 29.62
• 11 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket match haul
• 86 wickets in 29 home Tests at 30.43
• 115 wickets in 29 away Tests at 28.96
• 1 wicket in a single neutral Test

He has also been a pillar in the domestic circuit with 631 wickets from 166 First-Class matches, including 39 five-wicket hauls, showcasing his sustained excellence in red-ball cricket.

Among South African Greats

With this feat, Maharaj becomes the ninth South African bowler to take 200 or more Test wickets, joining an elite club featuring:

• Dale Steyn (439)
• Shaun Pollock (421)
• Makhaya Ntini (390)
• Kagiso Rabada (336)
• Allan Donald (330)
• Morne Morkel (309)
• Jacques Kallis (291)
• Vernon Philander (224)
  

Notably, Joseph "Hugh" Tayfield, the only other South African spinner with over 150 Test wickets, had held the benchmark for decades with 170 scalps. 

With the milestone behind him and the leadership reins in hand, Maharaj will be looking to further cement his legacy as one of South Africa’s finest ever slow bowlers. His ability to extract turn on all surfaces and lead the side with composure makes him a central figure in the Proteas’ red-ball plans. As the Test continues in Bulawayo, all eyes will remain on Maharaj not just for his wickets, but also for how he marshals his troops in pursuit of a commanding series lead.

Dewald Brevis made a thrilling entry into Test cricket, smashing a rapid half-century on debut for South Africa in the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Batting at No. 6, the 21-year-old announced himself in red-ball cricket with a 41-ball 51 that showcased the same fearless flair he’s become known for in limited-overs formats.

Brevis brought up his fifty in spectacular fashion, launching Zimbabwe spinner Vincent Masekesa for a massive six over midwicket to bring up the milestone in the 19th over. His knock, which included three sixes and three fours, now stands as the third-fastest half-century on debut in Test history. Only New Zealand’s Tim Southee (29 balls) and England’s Jacob Bethell (37 balls) have reached the mark quicker, both in their respective second innings.

Brevis hits a quick fifty on debut, adds 95 with fellow newcomer Pretorius

Nicknamed "Baby AB" for his resemblance to South African legend AB de Villiers in playing style, Brevis didn’t disappoint on his much-awaited Test debut. He walked in at a testing moment and counterattacked with supreme confidence, quickly swinging the momentum back South Africa’s way.

Watch the video:

Brevis impresses with 51 (41) on debut, building a vital 95-run stand with Pretorius at a crucial time!

How far can SA go? Watch it live only on FanCode 📲#ZIMvSA pic.twitter.com/yILQ2zGWnG

— FanCode (@FanCode) June 28, 2025

ALSO SEE: 'Kohli Would Not Have Such Defensive Field' – Sanjay Manjrekar on Shubman Gill's captaincy after loss against England in 1st Test

Brevis also stitched together a crucial 95-run partnership with fellow debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who played a more composed role at the other end. The 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter made history himself by becoming the youngest South African to score a century on Test debut, reaching the milestone in 112 balls.

While Brevis’ fiery stay at the crease came to an end soon after his fifty, the impact of his innings was undeniable. His intent and timing rattled Zimbabwe’s bowlers, lifting South Africa out of early trouble and setting the tone for a new generation of fearless Proteas cricketers.

From June 28 (Saturday), the cricket world is prepared to watch another historical Test series. The latest champion of WTC 2025 South Africa will take on Zimbabwe (ZIM vs SA)in a two-match away series. Both the matches will be held in Bulawayo. Two teams already announced their squads with multiple replacements. South Africa will lock horns with the Chevrons without their regular skipper, Temba Bavuma, because of an injury problem.

In the first released squad, Bamuva's name was in the list. On the other side, Zimbabwe, the host team, will also play without some of their key players. Opener Ben Curren, all-rounder Sikandar Raza, and seamer Victor Nyauchi have been left out for various reasons. Through this series, multiple young talents will get the platform to showcase their talents. Despite a young group of players on pen and paper, South Africa will step into the field as the favorite to win the first match and the series also.

ZIM vs SA Streaming Details:

The series will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website in India.

ZIM v SA 2025 Tests: Full list of fixtures:

1st Test: June 28-July 2, Bulawayo.

2nd Test: July 6-July 10, Bulawayo.

Read More: WATCH: Team India reaches Nottingham for 1st T20I vs England

Full Squads:

Zimbabwe: Squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Nicholas Welch, and Sean Williams.

South Africa Squad: Keshav Maharaj (captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi (second Test), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, and Codi Yusuf. 

Zimbabwe is all set to face South Africa in a 2-match Test series set to commence on June 28 at Queen’s Sports Club Cricket Ground, Bulawayo. The series will be a great test for the host nation as they will face the champion of the World Test Championship 2025 (WTC 2025).

With a few changes, South Africa has sent a young squad to face the home team. On the other side, Zimbabwe will push for the best results with the full squad. The Chevrons had some memorable encounters in recent times. Blessing Muzarabani's spell against Bangladesh is considered one of the standoutperformances in recent times.

Before facing the WTC champions, Zimbabwe rehearsed well against England in a one-off Test in Trent Bridge, where Ben Stokes's team won the contest by an innings and 45 runs. Before that, the Craig Ervine-led troop tied with Bangladesh in a 2-match Test series. In the series, they defeated the Tiger Brigade in Sylhet. Along with Muzarabani, Brian Bennett, Wesley Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza can make some promising impact on South Africa. 

Read More: WI vs AUS 1st Test, Day 2: Key moments and match highlights

On the other hand, in the absence of Temba Bavuma, Keshav Maharaj will lead South Africa. With multiple upcoming talents, the defending champions will look at the whitewash of Zimbabwe to get the required momentum for a fresh WTC circle. David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, and others will try their best to offer their country commendable results. 

Full Squads

Zimbabwe: Squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Nicholas Welch, and Sean Williams.

South Africa Squad: Keshav Maharaj (captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi (second Test), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, and Codi Yusuf. 

New Zealand has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe, marking the start of their preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. One notable absence is former captain Kane Williamson, who has made himself unavailable due to commitments with Middlesex in the County Championship and the London Spirit in The Hundred. This decision opens the door for younger players to step up in his absence.

The tri-series will serve as the first major international assignment for Rob Walter, New Zealand's newly appointed head coach. Walter stressed the significance of the tour, especially with the World Cup approaching. “I think we’ve got a really strong squad for this tour, and I’m looking forward to getting the team together and getting into the work. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, all of our upcoming series are critically important to our buildup. This series gives us the opportunity to test the breadth of our squad, explore different players, and potentially different combinations against some quality opposition,” Walter said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

A few regulars are missing from the tour. Lockie Ferguson has been rested, Ben Sears is out with a side strain, and Kyle Jamieson is unavailable due to personal reasons as he awaits the birth of his child. Devon Conway and Mitch Hay are also not part of the squad. Wicketkeeping duties will be handled by Tim Seifert. The team will be led by Mitchell Santner, while Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra make their return after missing the March series against Pakistan due to IPL 2025 commitments. Pacer Adam Milne also returns for the first time since November.

Walter banks on experience and new faces

Matt Henry, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, is back in the squad and will be eager to make an impact. Another exciting inclusion is 23-year-old uncapped batter Bevon Jacobs, who retains his place after touring with the side in Sri Lanka and is expected to make his debut during the series. “Adam’s a really skilled T20 bowler; he’s particularly proficient with the ball up front and brings that extra pace and bounce. With the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, and Kyle Jamieson out, it’s great to be able to lean on an experienced head in Adam,” Walter added.

Welcome back Bevon Jacobs & Adam Milne 🤝 Full story | https://t.co/1jOONKyaso #CricketNation 📷 = @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/33CPm3uT0K

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 26, 2025

See Also: WI vs AUS: West Indies coach meets match referee Javagal Srinath over umpiring controversy in ongoing first Test between West Indies and Australia

This squad gives New Zealand an ideal chance to try new combinations and strengthen their bench strength ahead of the global tournament. With a good blend of experience and young talent, the BlackCaps will aim to fine-tune their plans under their new coach and captain.

New Zealand T20I squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa T20 Tri-Series 2025:
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi.

South Africa has announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand, which is set to begin on July 14. Four uncapped players in T20Is – Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Rubin Hermann, and Senuran Muthusamy – have been included in the squad, as several senior players were not available for selection.

Notably, Pretorius was very impressive in the 2025 SA20, finishing as the top run-scorer with 397 runs at a strike rate of 166. Because of this performance, he was also picked by the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He is expected to open the innings along with Reeza Hendricks in the tri-series.

Rassie van der Dussen will lead the South Africa squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand. He is an experienced batter and will guide a team that includes both young and experienced players.

Also Read -'Chal chal ave' - Fans react to Prithvi Shaw's claim of comparing himself with fictional character of popular Indian drama

The biggest news from the squad is the selection of four players who have been called up to the national T20I team for the first time. Corbin Bosch and Lhuan-dré Pretorius, who play for the Momentum Multiply Titans, have done well in domestic cricket and will now play at the international level. Rubin Hermann has also been given a chance to prove himself, while spinner Senuran Muthusamy, who has already played Tests and ODIs, will make his T20I debut.

SOUTH AFRICA T20I SQUAD FOR TRI SERIES Vs NZ & ZIM:

- Der Dussen (C), Corbin Bosch, Brevis, Burger, Coetzee, Hendricks, Hermann, George, Linde, Maphaka, Ngidi, Nqaba, Lhuan Dre Pretorius, Simelane, Muthusamy. pic.twitter.com/4dh5uvW5GO

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) June 26, 2025

Dewald Brevis is also part of the squad. He is known for his attacking batting and is often compared to AB de Villiers. His presence adds excitement to the team.

This series will be the first T20I assignment for coach Shukri Conrad since he became the head coach of South Africa in all formats. The players will attend a two-day training camp in Pretoria from July 9 to 10 before leaving for Zimbabwe. The camp will be led by SA A head coach Wandile Gwavu.

Bosch has been part of the ODI and Test squads before but has not yet played in T20Is. He played a key role in helping MI Cape Town win the SA20 title earlier this year. Muthusamy was part of the squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia. He has played four Tests and two ODIs and is expected to make his T20I debut in this series.

Rassie van der Dussen will lead a 14-man @ProteasMenCSA squad in the T20I Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand 🇿🇦🇿🇼🇳🇿#SSCricket pic.twitter.com/S3hxXkxePA

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 26, 2025

Rubin Hermann did well in the SA20, scoring 333 runs. With Heinrich Klaasen not available, Hermann will have an important role as the wicketkeeper-batter. In the absence of Aiden Markram, van der Dussen will captain the team. This will also be the first white-ball series for coach Conrad.

Conrad said that resting senior players due to workload gives a chance to others to prove themselves. He added that it is a good opportunity to build depth and see how new players perform at the international level.

South Africa squad for Tri-Series vs New Zealand, Zimbabwe:

Rassie van der Dussen (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann (wicketkeeper), George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced a blockbuster home schedule for the 2025–26 season, featuring visits from Australia, England, the West Indies, and South Africa across formats. The Blackcaps will kick off their summer with a three-match T20I series against Trans-Tasman rivals Australia beginning October 1, followed by a white-ball series against England comprising three T20Is and three ODIs starting October 18 and 26, respectively. The West Indies will arrive on tour for five T20Is, three ODIs, and three Tests starting November 5, with the first Test beginning on December 6.

The White Ferns will start their home campaign early next year after their participation in the ODI World Cup 2025, in India and Sri Lanka. Their season opens with a historic T20I series against Zimbabwe—the first-ever between the two sides—starting February 25, followed by a three-match ODI series beginning March 5, part of the ICC Women's Championship 2025–29. The women’s team will then face South Africa in a five-match T20I series scheduled as double-headers alongside the men’s T20Is from March 15 to 25. Additionally, they’ll play three standalone T20Is against the South African women from March 29 to April 4.

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink expressed delight over the packed and diverse schedule, especially highlighting the historic series against Zimbabwe and the double-header format with South Africa. "It’s great to welcome such a diverse range of opponents for both the Blackcaps and White Ferns, and especially pleasing for NZC to host the first-ever series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand women. Fans will see top-tier cricket across all our major centers, with the doubleheaders against South Africa offering a chance to watch the very best female and male cricketers in the world on display in a unique day-out experience," he said. He also added, “We’re thrilled to build this exciting home summer around the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and on the back of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, giving our players a chance to shine on the global stage as well as at home.”

Pacer Kyle Jamieson called it a “marquee summer,” stressing the challenge and excitement that comes with hosting such high-caliber opposition. “The caliber of opposition means we’ll be constantly tested for the duration of the season, and that’s what you want as a cricketer. It’s great to have another three-Test series at home, and I’m sure the fans will get in behind the Test team as they have in seasons gone by. It’s always special to play in front of a home crowd, and we’re hoping Kiwis will get out in force to support us once again this summer,” Jamieson said.

See Also: ENG vs IND: Three key reasons why India lost first Test match at Leeds, Headingley

New Zealand's home schedule 2025-26

Australia—T20I Series

England—T20I & ODI Series

vs West Indies—T20Is, ODIs & Tests

T20I Series

ODI Series

Test Series

New Zealand Women’s 2025–26 Home Schedule

Zimbabwe—T20I & ODI Series

T20I Series

ODI Series (Part of ICC Women’s Championship)

See Also: ENG vs IND, 1st Test Day 5: Major highlights and key performances

vs South Africa—T20I Doubleheaders (Men & Women)

vs South Africa Women—ODI Series

The year 2025 has witnessed some historic sporting events that have gone down in the record books, solely for being incredibly special. The year has been marked by teams bagging their first championship titles at an unprecedented level. Be it in cricket or football, the trend has remained consistent. In football, France's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defied all odds by winning their first UCL title in grand fashion. 

Speaking of cricket, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) achieved glory by earning their maiden IPL win by defeating PBKS in the IPL 2025 Final earlier in June. Subsequently, South Africa followed it up by ending their 27-year-long ICC title wait by winning the 2025 WTC Final against Australia by five wickets. It's certainly been a year of historic firsts that has delighted the fans worldwide.

So let us revisit those iconic moments to get inspired by their wonderful success stories.  

See also: CPL 2025: Trinbago Knight Riders announce their squad for the upcoming season

Top teams that secured their historic first title wins in 2025

⚽️ 🤝 🏏

2025 continues to deliver legendary sporting moments! 💫

And now, South Africa adds their name to this unforgettable year. 🏆#WTCFinal #WTC2025 #TembaBavuma #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/dJXGma9NlV

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) June 14, 2025

How 2025 has been historical in Cricket

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL) – RCB’s 2025 IPL victory was more than a title. It represented resilience, brilliant team-building, clever tactics, and emotional closure for a fanbase that spanned nearly two decades. The franchise put an end to their 18-year-long title drought by outclassing PBKS in a high-voltage run chase by six runs. The city of Bengaluru switched to a “Red Carnival” mode as fans erupted in joy. They resorted to fireworks, chanting fans, and citywide celebrations to express their happiness. The famous “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” chant (“This time the cup is ours”) resonated throughout, transitioning from wishful hope to triumphant reality. A planned open-top parade and felicitation at Vidhana Soudha was planned to welcome the RCB heroes for the monumental achievements, but sadly, the event took a tragic turn as the crowd went out of control and a stampede-like situation ensued, which claimed the lives of 11 souls. 

South Africa (WTC Final 2025) - South Africa's triumphant journey to their first-ever WTC title in 2025 was a watershed moment for the Proteas. The Rainbow Nation was the first team to qualify for the WTC 2023-25 cycle. At the time, many experts argued their journey to the top summit was relatively straightforward as they did not really need to contend with high-quality Test sides. Facing the tournament favorites, Australia, in the final was their toughest Test challenge in recent times, given Australia's record in the ICC finals. After being blown away for 138 in the first innings, Temba and Markram rolled the tide back in their team's favour by defining a match-defining partnership which took South Africa over the line in a convincing fashion. It was Proteas’ first major ICC title since 1998, and the win was celebrated lavishly at the OR Tambo airport when the team touched down for the first time since their WTC triumph. 

How 2025 has been historical in Football

Paris Saint-Germain (UCL title) - Amidst an unprecedented transformative breakthrough, PSG conquered Europe’s toughest club competition. The stage was set at the Allianz Arena in Munich, and Inter Milan was the unfortunate team that saw itself on the receiving end. They received an anhailating 5–0 defeat which set the record for the biggest win in a Champions League final. Luis Enrique orchestrated a shift from star-led superstardom to cohesive, youthful team-building, completing a treble and becoming one of the few managers to win two Champions Leagues. Doué and Mayulu showcased PSG's focus on rising French talents, backed by Vitinha, Hakimi, and Kvaratskhelia. To celebrate the historic win, thousands of fans poured onto the pitch in celebration. However, widespread celebrations in Paris turned violent—500+ arrests, two deaths, and numerous injuries.