South Africa created history with an iconic WTC title win, defeating Australia by 5 wickets to win the WTC 2023-25 final. It was a historic day for the Proteas as they won an ICC title after a long wait of 27 years since they won the ICC Champions Trophy in 1998 under Hansie Cronje.
It was the winning boundary hit by David Bedingham that made the Temba Bavuma-led, less inexperienced South Africa World Champions in the longest format of the game. There were a few star performers who scripted SA’s historic victory over the Aussies at cricket’s mecca, Lord’s.
South Africa’s Top 3 performers from the WTC 2025 Final against Australia:
1. Kagiso Rabada
The Proteas skipper, Temba Bavuma, won the toss and asked Australia to bat first, and the star pacer Kagiso Rabada proved his captain’s decision to bowl first. Rabada scalped a sensational five-wicket haul, picking 5 wickets at just 51 runs in 15.4 overs. His fifer helped SA to bundle out the Aussies at the score of just 212 runs in the first innings.
The star pace spearhead continued his brilliant form in the second innings as well, claiming a decisive four-wicket haul. He picked 4 wickets at just 59 runs in 18 overs, including a maiden over and registering a brilliant economy rate of 3.27. He ended up taking 9 wickets in the game, being one of the vital cogs in SA’s historic WTC title win.
2. Aiden Markram
The Proteas opener and the veteran batter, Aiden Markram, failed to live up to expectations as he was dismissed on a duck in the first innings. But he had some other plans in the second innings, hitting a match-winning century. He scored a decisive 136 runs off 207 balls, with 14 fours.
Apart from his batting, he also scalped a wicket each in the first and second innings, including the crucial wicket of Steve Smith in the first innings. Aiden Markram was also named ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning performance in South Africa’s favour.
3. Temba Bavuma
Apart from Aiden Markram’s century, what is going to remain unforgettable in the memories of the fans for the ages is the resilient and fighting spirit of the Proteas skipper, Temba Bavuma. He scored 36 runs off 84 balls in the first innings, which somehow helped SA to reduce the first-innings lead.
Later in the second innings, Bavuma played a match-winning and fighting knock of 66 runs off 134 balls, with five fours. He kept batting and running between the wickets despite a hamstring injury, completing his half-century. Skipper also stitched a match-winning 147-run partnership with Aiden Markram for the third wicket. Bavuma’s knock also played a vital role in South Africa’s 5-wicket win over Australia.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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