On June 14, 2025, at the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground, Aiden Markram etched his name into South African cricket history with a masterful 136 in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Aiden Markram‘s, described as “glorious” and “meditative,” was the cornerstone of South Africa’s successful chase of 282 runs, securing a five-wicket victory and ending a 27-year ICC trophy drought.
This triumph not only silenced critics who labeled South Africa as ‘chokers’ but also marked a defining moment in Test cricket’s narrative, showcasing the Proteas’ resilience against a formidable Australian side.
From First-Innings Failure to Second-Innings Stardom
Aiden Markram’s journey in the WTC final was a tale of redemption. In South Africa’s first innings, he faced a torrid start against Australia’s left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc. On June 11, 2025, Starc dismissed Markram for a six-ball duck, bowling an inswinger that crashed into his stumps. This was Markram’s seventh Test duck and his second against Starc, the first occurring during the 2018 Sandpaper Gate Test in Cape Town.
The early dismissal under overcast conditions at Lord’s could have dented his confidence, but Markram’s response in the second innings was nothing short of extraordinary. South Africa, trailing by 74 runs after the first innings (Australia 212, South Africa 138), were set a challenging target of 282.
The early loss of opener Ryan Rickelton in the second innings brought Markram to the crease with the weight of a nation’s expectations. Unlike his first-innings struggle, Aiden Markram adopted a cautious yet assertive approach, respecting the quality of Australia’s bowling attack while gradually asserting his dominance. His ability to recover from a first-innings failure highlighted his mental fortitude, a trait that has defined his career since leading South Africa’s Under-19 team to World Cup glory in 2014.
Aiden Markram’s innings began with a focus on survival, navigating the new ball under testing conditions. He played with a rock-solid defense, ensuring he saw off the early threat posed by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. The way Markram played every ball on his merit frustrated Aussies immensely.
As the innings progressed, Markram found his rhythm, unleashing a repertoire of shots that included crisp back-foot glides, precise cuts, and late cuts. These shots, particularly effective against the pace trio, frustrated Australia’s bowlers, who struggled to break his concentration. By the end of day three, Markram was unbeaten on 102, alongside captain Temba Bavuma (65*), with South Africa at 213/2, needing just 69 runs to clinch the title.
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Mastering Australia’s World-Class Bowling Attack
Australia’s bowling attack, comprising Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, is among the most formidable in world cricket. Markram’s ability to dominate this quartet was a testament to his skill and temperament. Each bowler presented unique challenges, but Markram’s composed approach ensured he remained in control for most of his innings.
Starc, who had dismissed Markram for a duck in the first innings, was a significant threat with his ability to swing the ball at high pace. In the second innings, Markram was cautious against Starc, respecting his inswingers and avoiding the mistakes that led to his earlier dismissal. While Starc finished with figures of 3-66, including the wickets of Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne, Markram ensured he did not fall to the left-armer again. His ability to negotiate Starc’s pace and movement was crucial in building his innings.
An Ultimate Test for the ages 🤩
South Africa put on an inspirational display to overcome the Australia challenge and win the #WTC25 Final 🏆
Full match highlights ➡️ https://t.co/WVQmXHGe3N
— ICC (@ICC) June 14, 2025
Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain and premier fast bowler, bowled with relentless accuracy and took the key wicket of Temba Bavuma on day four with an excellent lifting delivery. However, Markram handled Cummins with aplomb, rotating the strike to keep the scoreboard moving and avoiding risky shots against his probing lines. Cummins searched for ways to break the 147-run partnership between Markram and Bavuma, but Markram’s disciplined approach ensured he remained untroubled for most of the innings.
Josh Hazlewood, known for his metronomic accuracy, posed a constant threat with the second new ball. Markram was pinged on the pads by Hazlewood at one point, but he survived the appeal and continued to bat with assurance. Hazlewood eventually dismissed Markram with just 6 runs needed for victory, a moment that denied Markram the chance to hit the winning runs. While the exact manner of his dismissal—whether caught, bowled, or lbw—is not detailed in available sources, it was a bittersweet end to an otherwise flawless innings.
The Final Moments and Legacy
On day four, South Africa resumed their chase needing 69 runs. The early loss of Bavuma, dismissed by Cummins, could have derailed their momentum, but Markram remained steadfast, guiding the innings with David Bedingham (unbeaten on 21). As South Africa neared the target, the tension was palpable, with the Australian bowlers, particularly Starc and Hazlewood, throwing everything at the Proteas.
Markram’s dismissal by Hazlewood, when South Africa were just 6 runs shy of victory, was a moment of mixed emotions. X posts from the time capture the sentiment: one described Markram’s 136 as a “fine knock,” while another noted his sadness as he walked off, cheered by the crowd. Despite not being at the crease for the final runs, Markram’s contribution was undeniable. Kyle Verreynne sealed the victory with a drive through the covers off Starc, sparking wild celebrations among the South African team and fans.
Markram’s 136 will be remembered as one of the greatest innings in South African cricket history. It not only secured the WTC title but also ended a 27-year wait for an ICC trophy, the last being the 1998 ICC Knockout. The victory was particularly poignant given South Africa’s history of near misses in global tournaments, including the 2024 T20 World Cup final loss to India. Markram’s performance, coupled with Bavuma’s leadership, rewrote the narrative, transforming South Africa from underdogs to champions.
Impact on South African Cricket
Aiden Markram’s innings was more than just a match-winning effort; it was a symbol of South Africa’s resilience and growth in Test cricket. The Proteas had qualified for the WTC final with an impressive record: 8 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw in 12 matches, with a points percentage of 69.44%. Markram himself was a key contributor throughout the cycle, scoring 572 runs, behind only David Bedingham (645) and Temba Bavuma (609).
The victory at Lord’s was a testament to South Africa’s ability to perform under pressure, a quality Markram emphasized in pre-match comments. He noted that the team’s experience in two-Test series during the WTC cycle had prepared them to start strongly, a strategy that paid dividends in the final.
Aiden Markram’s leadership qualities, honed as South Africa’s Under-19 World Cup-winning captain in 2014, were evident in his calm and composed batting, inspiring his teammates to believe in the chase.
Aiden Markram’s 136 in the WTC final of 2025 will be etched in cricketing folklore as the innings that delivered South Africa’s first Test world championship. His journey from a first-innings duck to a second-innings masterpiece showcased his resilience, skill, and ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Facing a world-class Australian bowling attack, Markram’s composure and elegance turned the tide in South Africa’s favor, ending decades of heartbreak and cementing his legacy as a national hero. As Nasser Hussain remarked, “Aiden Markram, you came out to bat on a pair, but you returned a national hero.” This victory, driven by Markram’s brilliance, marks a new chapter for South African cricket, one of triumph and pride.