South Africa surprised everyone with an inspiring win over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's. The Proteas managed to shed their chokers tag by winning an ICC event after a long time. South Africa showcased tremendous temperament in challenging playing conditions with their committed resolve.

Team India is all set to play a five-match test series against England from next week, and this win can be a motivational source for Team India. Team India will find the playing conditions tough, as it is difficult to beat England at home. Team India can certainly learn from South Africa on how to prepare for a challenging task. We discuss three key points that India can learn from South Africa as far as taking on England in England is concerned:

1. Preparing in the right manner

South Africa prepared well ahead of the WTC final as most of their players were recalled from franchise tournaments, including the IPL. The results were clearly visible as pacer Kagiso Rabada had enough time to prepare, and he was the one who played a crucial role in the win. He took 9 wickets in the entire match. He didn't even play the playoffs for the Gujarat Titans. On the other hand, Aiden Markram didn't play the last league match for Lucknow Super Giants against RCB to join the national team.

His century in the fourth innings turned out to be crucial for South Africa. On the other hand, key Team India players couldn't get preparation time during the 2023 WTC final due to IPL commitments, while some Australian players didn't play the 2023 IPL to prepare for the 2023 WTC final, and the result was visible.  

2.Dealing with Injuries and the team rebuilding phase

Former South African captain Dean Elgar's retirement call after the home test series against India was surprising. It was South Africa's first series of a new cycle, due to which they had to go back to a backup plan, and they had to appoint Temba Bavuma in a very short time. The team needed time to adjust under the leadership of a new captain. South Africa could hardly match Team India in the WTC points table during that period, and the team lost to a New Zealand team, which had new players. Players like Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger's injuries gave the team management a tough time and they had to face problems while adding new players.

Players like Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson etc played their part during the entire WTC campaign. These players have added depth and enough options in the dugout. The Indian team is also in a similar situation in test cricket as they too are under a rebuilding phase in the five-day format after the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It would be interesting to see how they cope up with this phase that could define their position in the next WTC cycle.

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

3. Adjusting to conditions

South Africa won the toss in the final and elected to bowl first, knowing that the conditions and wicket would aid the batters as the match progressed, even though the conditions were overcast on the first day. South African bowlers bowled well and managed to bowl Australia out for 212.

Team India had also won the toss in the 2023 WTC final, but their bowlers couldn't take the advantage and allowed Australia to score 469, even though they were 76/3 at one stage. On the third day, when there was sunshine, South African batters took full advantage of the wicket and adjusted to conditions well that allowed their batters to play their shots as the ball was coming onto the bat nicely. Australian bowlers found it difficult to bowl on the wicket. 

On June 14, 2025, South Africa created history by winning their maiden ICC World Test Championship title, defeating the tournament favorites Australia by five wickets at the Lord's. The Proteas fans all around the world cherished this euphoric moment, as this was South Africa's first ICC title win since 1998. In the process, they also became only the third team to win a WTC title. 

Temba and Co. achieved a monumental feat in world cricket, a feat which has eluded them for several decades. After several days of celebrations, it was time for the Proteas team to return home. Upon arrival, the team received a hero's welcome and was greeted by happy supporters. The live visuals of their arrival were captured on camera and have immediately become viral online. 

See also: South Africa strengthen bid for 2025 WTC Final at lord's with commanding victory

South African cricket team touches down for the first time since the WTC win

The South African team landed at the OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg on June 18. The skipper, Temba Bavuma, led the way, posing with the prestigious Test mace. After taking a few steps, he briefly stopped for a photo shoot along with the mace. His coach, Shukri Conrad, joined him shortly after, and the duo jointly lifted the mace together for the photo shoot. At the time of the coverage, the broadcaster expressed his delight and mentioned how big of an achievement this has been for the South African Test side. 

WTC WINNER SOUTH AFRICA HAVE ARRIVED HOME. 🏆pic.twitter.com/lvVMfdA7zc

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 18, 2025

The WTC 2025 Final triumph has ended decades of heartbreak and misery for the South African side. Despite being a quality side, South Africa would often stumble in the knockout stage. But after years of perseverance, that WTC mace must feel extra special in their hands. 

The glorious WTC title win will inspire a new generation of Proteas players and fans alike. South Africa are scheduled to play a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe starting on June 28. This series will comprise their first Test assignment of the WTC 2025-27 cycle. 

Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa, who created history by winning the World Test Championship final (WTC Final 2025) by defeating Australia after an intense battle at Lord's. Unlike many other cricketers in the cricket world, the 35-year-old's life has been different in many ways.

From childhood days to the senior cricket level, Bavuma's life is filled with struggles and hard work. Years back, the South Africa cricket team did not used to be like this now. Being a Black African community, Bavuma had to fight with the barriers of society. After the WTC triumph of South Africa, Sky Sports Cricket discovered the area, the ground, and the narrow alleys where a little Temba Bavuma used to play cricket with his friends.

Like before, the crossroad, where Bavuma played cricket, is surrounded by houses and structures, which were not allowed to be hit by the ball. So, he had to play only shots close to the ground. From there, Temba came to learn about the copybook cricket shots like cover drive, straight drive, or cut shot.

Read More: Multiple injury crisis for India ahead of ENG vs IND series, BCCI announce replacements

Watch, from where Temba Bavuma has started his journey

When Michael Atherton visited Langa, the township where Temba Bavuma started his cricketing career 🏏 pic.twitter.com/IsbqrWWE37

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 16, 2025

At the age of 3, the little boy first batted on the community ground, which is known as the Langa Cricket Club ground. The jersey Temba used to play in during his early days is now preserved in the club's pavilion. 

It is known that Langa is a township in Cape Town, South Africa, known as the oldest township in the city, which was established in 1927. It was initially created as a segregated residential area for Black Africans under the Apartheid regime's Urban Areas Act. The meaning of Langa in 'Sun' and Temba Bavuma is one of the brightest names from the community. 

After nearly 27 years of relentless pursuit and heartbreak, South Africa have finally reached the summit of Test cricket. A moment generations waited for unfolded at the historic Lord’s, where the Proteas stood tall, crowned as the best in the Whites. The stadium was alive with emotion—teenagers embracing their elders, eyes moist, hearts full. On a glorious London day with no sign of rain, sunlight danced across the emerald turf, while scattered white clouds painted a poetic backdrop to this monumental triumph.

The scene became even more special with legends like Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers present, witnessing a moment they had long dreamed of. Years of dedication, near-misses, and grit had led to this point. As Temba Bavuma lifted the ICC Test mace high above his head, the sense of redemption was overwhelming. It was more than just a win—it was a defining chapter in South African cricket history, etched forever at the iconic Lord’s.

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

Bavuma played a captain's knock to earn the moment with an injured leg. Throughout his 134-ball innings, he was in agony, received medical treatment on the ground, but refused to leave the battlefield. The iron will and the character shown by South Africa are undoubtedly signs of a deserving champion.

Australia tried best, but it was the 'character' at its best

Bavuma, in the post-match presentation, said that they tried to build the character throughout the years and that finally paid off. Along with the skipper, Aiden Markram has encrypted his name permanently in the pages of cricket history for that match-winning innings: 207 balls, 136 runs. 

The defending champion, Australia, tried as much as possible to defend their title: their skipper, Pat Cummins, bagged a record-breaking 6 wickets; Steve Smith and Beau Webster batted brilliantly in the first innings; and Mitchell Starc got 5 wickets in total and an unbeaten 58 batting at lower order in the second innings. Australia tried everything possible, but the moment was for South Africa. 

Watch the historic moment here

ICC World Test Champions 2025!#WtcFinal2025 #Proteas pic.twitter.com/LJnsfdHnhu

— Captain Springbok (@CaptSpringbok) June 14, 2025

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.

South Africa are edging closer to creating history in the ongoing World Test Championship Final 2025 (WTC). With only 69 runs remaining in the bank and eight wickets to go, South Africa emerge as the strong favorites to clinch their maiden ICC title since 1998. A fighting partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma has turned the tables on Australia, putting the Southern African nation on the cusp of a historic cricketing moment. 

South Africa's resounding progress in the WTC final match has left many Australian cricket experts alarmed. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden went hard on Pat Cummins, calling him out for being way too defensive in his approach. After concluding their second innings on a high, Australia had mounted a reasonable target of 281 on the board. Much to their delight, the Aussie quicks, including Mitch Starc, made an ideal start by removing Rickelton and Mulder in quick succession to give Australia a definite advantage. 

But all that advantage was lost in an instant once they were met with fierce resistance from Bavuma and Markram. Australia had South Africa reeling but failed to make further breakthroughs, allowing them to conclude day three on a high with all eight wickets intact.

See also: Top 5 wicket takers for South Africa in Test cricket ft Kagiso Rabada

Haydos blasts the Australian skipper to let South Africa off the hook

As quoted by Hindustan Times, Hayden slammed Cummins for being too defensive against Bavuma, who had just walked out to bat after Mulder's dismissal. After bundling them out cheaply for 138 in the first innings, Cummins was expected to adopt a very aggressive approach. But the absence of his aggressive approach baffled the Aussie great. 

He further highlighted the lack of protection in the catching cover regions and stressed that the field placement should have been more attacking, which would have helped them cut down unnecessary singles.

“You know, this defensive effort here from Australia, it was all about how they were going to take wickets and how they were going to do that early. You know, when they got through to Mulder, they got through Rickelton, and they had to put at that point pressure on Bavuma. They had to put those catching cover areas, had to be less defensive, more attacking. Can you imagine if those first couple of balls had been chipped up? South Africa now it's three down. Australia got control of the match. So for me, that was a trick," 

The 2023 defending champions are on the verge of a catastrophic defeat in the WTC summit clash. Although the job is yet to be fully finished, and given South Africa's all-time reputation of "chokers", we cannot say for sure whether they are out of the woods. The Aussies, who have proven their tactical brilliance in the knockout matches time and again, can't be taken lightly as they will look to leave no stone unturned to retain their crown at all costs. 

The early hours of Day 2 of the World Test Championship Final (WTC Final) started off with controversy. Again, the Decision Review System (DRS) is on the center of the stage. South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma can feel himself fortunate enough to escape an LBW shout by a controlled Australia.

Josh Hazlewood was on a charge and able to swing the ball back in and struck Bavuma, followed by a strong LBW appeal. Bavuma was just in front of the wickets, and the ball was at his knee height. So the umpire didn't take too long to raise his finger pointed towards the sky.

Bavuma, then on 17, and South Africa, on 66 for the loss of 4 wickets, signaled for a decision review. After recapping the incident on screen with the help of high-tech technologies, the third umpire reversed the decision and decided to announce "not out" to the Protean skipper, and thus how Temba Bavuma has survived.

Read More: MMR VS SMF Mumbai T20 League 2025 Final:Live streaming and where to watch details

But he didn't sustain his innings too long 

According to the DRS on the screen, Bavuma was able to get a slight edge on his blade, and for that reason, the field umpire's decision has been overturned. But was there a clear nick from the bat? The question remains, as there was probably some gap between the bat and the ball.

The right-handed batter chose to play a counter-attacking game against Australia, and for some distance he succeeded in his plans but did not manage to stay in the yard too long and was dismissed for an individual 36. Australia skipper Pat Cummins removed the SA skipper on the 2nd ball of the 40th over. South Africa lost the 5th wicket before making 100 on the board. 

Watch the moment here 

DRS saved Temba Bavuma pic.twitter.com/7nQu78Gf1w

— Gurlabh Singh (@gurlabhsingh610) June 12, 2025

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.

See Also: MLC 2025, NY vs TEX Match 2: Oakland Coliseum cricket stadium stats and Head to Head

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)

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma was mobilizing well against Australia until Marnus Labuschagne pulled out a blinder at the cover region. Bamuva connected with the ball in the middle of his bat; the connection was on point, and the ball was about to go through the cover, but there was Marnus, always an electrifying presence on the field, doing an unthinkable job on a Pat Cummins over.

He threw his body at the right side and grabbed the ball low before a blink of an eye. Temba Bavuma departed after scoring 36 off 84 balls. The right-handed batter took an attacking approach against the fiery Australian bowling combination from the beginning of Day 2, and he succeeded in his plan for a while.

On Day 1, when the defending champion side picked up 4 wickets before the stumps, Bavuma was all about defense. On Day 2, a completely different approach from him: counterattack to oppose an attack. The SA leader hit 4 glorious fours and one maximum during his 84-ball stint. 

Read More: Babar Azam set for BBL return? Sydney Sixers' big move sparks buzz!

Josh Hazlewood also troubled Temba Bavuma 

Before that stunning catch, Bamuva narrowly escaped an LBW just because of the Decision Review System. Bavuma, then on 17, and South Africa, on 66 for the loss of 4 wickets, signaled for a decision review. After recapping the incident on screen with the help of high-tech technologies, the third umpire reversed the decision and decided to announce "not out" to the Protean skipper, and thus how Temba Bavuma has survived. Apart from the DRS moment, Bavuma's innings was a display of the class he possessed. He played some pure cricketing shots on the lush grass field of the Lord's, which were pure joy to watch. 

Before the launch, South Africa lost 5 wickets for 121. David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne were on the crease with 39 and 11 runs, respectively. 

Watch the stunning catch here

 

 

 

 

 

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Mumbai Indians legend Suryakumar Yadav created history by scoring another half-century in their last IPL 2025 league stage game against Punjab Kings in Jaipur on Monday evening (May 26). 

It is an important game for both teams, as both are fighting for the top two places in the final IPL 2025 points table, and only a win can ensure it for them. After Punjab Kings chose to field first, MI scored 184/7 in 20 overs, where Suryakumar Yadav played another heroic knock, his 14th consecutive 25+ score in T20 cricket. 

[WATCH] IPL 2025: Nehal Wadhera brilliant catch dismisses Rohit Sharma in PBKS vs MI match

Suryakumar Yadav: 1st MI to score 600+ runs for two seasons; recorded most runs for MI in an IPL season

Suryakumar Yadav scored 57 off 39 balls with the help of six fours and two sixes. With this knock, he ended the IPL 2025 league stage with 640 runs in 14 innings with an average of 71.11 and a strike rate of 167.97, including five half-centuries. In the following, we have brought some of his key stats from the match. 

• SKY became the first Mumbai Indians batter to record 600+ runs in two seasons. Previously, the right-handed batter recorded 605 runs in the IPL 2023. 
• SKY recorded the most runs in an IPL season by a Mumbai Indians batter. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was the previous record holder with 618 runs during the IPL 2010. 
• With his 14th 25+ scores in T20 cricket format, SKY broke the record for the most consecutive 25+ scores in T20 cricket, which the South African cricketer Temba Bavuma previously held. 
• With 32 sixes, SKY recorded the most sixes for Mumbai Indians in an IPL season. During the IPL 2008, Sanath Jayasuriya smashed 31 sixes. 

Sky#sky#suryakumaryadav pic.twitter.com/TkfLZrk3P7

— RVCJ Sports (@RVCJ_Sports) May 26, 2025

SURYAKUMAR YADAV IN THIS IPL 2025:

29(26), 48(28), 27*(9), 67(43), 28(26), 40(28), 26(15), 68*(30), 40*(19), 54(28), 48*(23), 35(24), 73*(43), 57(39).

- The Best T20 Batter in the World. 🔥#PBKSvsMI #PBKSvMI #IPL2025 #MIvsPBKS #MIvPBKS #Lahore #SuryakumarYadav pic.twitter.com/vcUdFb7BAP

— RO_KO 🏏 (@MohammadFa83199) May 26, 2025

Suryakumar Yadav #SuryakumarYadav #MIvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/nBLBaiwA3A

— GSMS Media (@GsmsMedia) May 26, 2025

Suryakumar Yadav has now registered a 25+ score in 14 consecutive innings - a new T20 record.#IPL2025 #IPL #SuryaKumarYadav #MI pic.twitter.com/SOOpl7WXy4

— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) May 26, 2025

Surya dada's performance day by day>>>#SuryakumarYadav #MIvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/PVHtOVjvCF

— Comedyculture.in (@ComedycultureIn) May 26, 2025

Most consecutive scores of 25+ in Men's T20s:

14* - Suryakumar Yadav 🇮🇳
13 - Temba Bavuma 🇿🇦
11 - Brad Hodge 🇦🇺
11 - Jacques Rudolph 🇿🇦
11 - Kumar Sangakkara 🇱🇰
11 - Chris Lynn 🇦🇺
11 - Kyle Mayers 🌴#SuryakumarYadav makes T20 history!🐐#SuryakumarYadav𓃵 #MIvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/oTioRzzaaN

— 𝐈𝐂𝐓 ᴬᵁᴿᴬ🇮🇳 (@AURAICTT) May 26, 2025