Introduction
South Africa 27-year ICC drought 2025 came to a triumphant end on June 14, 2025, when the Proteas clinched a five-wicket victory over Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s. This wasn’t just a win; it was a redemption song for a nation haunted by the “chokers” tag since their 1998 ICC Knockout Cup victory. Aiden Markram’s majestic 136, Temba Bavuma’s gritty 66, and Kagiso Rabada’s fiery 5-51 turned a daunting 282-run chase into history. How did South Africa finally break their 27-year jinx?
On “IPL Star,” your go-to for cricket updates with a focus on IPL news, we dive into the Proteas’ emotional journey, Shukri Conrad’s coaching magic, and the moments that crowned them champions. From X posts buzzing with fan joy to stats that tell the tale, this article unpacks the victory that reshaped South African cricket. Keep reading to relive the glory
1. The Long Wait: South Africa’s 27-Year ICC Drought
A History of Heartbreak
South Africa 27-Year ICC Drought 2025 Ends South Africa’s 27-year ICC drought in 2025 marked a painful chapter for a cricketing powerhouse. Since their 1998 ICC Knockout Cup win, led by Hansie Cronje, the Proteas faced repeated heartbreak in ICC events. Near-misses in the 1998, 2007, and 2015 World Cups, and the 2024 T20 World Cup final loss to India, cemented their “chokers” label. As ESPNcricinfo notes, the 1998 title lacked the prestige of modern ICC events, making the WTC 2025 win their first “true” global crown.
The drought wasn’t just about losses; it was about crushing moments—think Allan Donald’s run-out in 1999 or AB de Villiers’ 2015 semi-final agony. Fans on X, like @SivanJohn_, called the 2025 win “a moment etched in history,” reflecting the emotional weight of ending this jinx.
| South Africa’s ICC Near-Misses (1992-2024) | Details |
|---|---|
| 1998 ICC Knockout Cup | Won (vs West Indies) |
| 1999 World Cup | Semi-final loss (vs Australia) |
| 2007 World Cup | Semi-final loss (vs Australia) |
| 2015 World Cup | Semi-final loss (vs New Zealand) |
| 2024 T20 World Cup | Final loss (vs India) |
2. The WTC 2025 Journey: Building to Glory
South Africa WTC Win History Forged
South Africa 27-Year ICC Drought 2025 Ends South Africa’s WTC win history in 2025 was a tale of resilience. The Proteas played 12 matches in the 2023-25 cycle, winning 7, including crucial victories in Bangladesh and against India, as noted by SI.com. Coach Shukri Conrad instilled a fearless mindset, telling players to “go after the Aussies,” per Wiaan Mulder’s chat with Graeme Smith. Their qualification hinged on Rabada’s heroics, delivering five wins in six Tests.
The WTC Final at Lord’s was their ultimate test. Opting to bowl, South Africa restricted Australia to 212, but their own batting collapsed to 138, trailing by 74 runs. Australia’s second innings of 206 set a 282-run target—a daunting chase at Lord’s. X posts, like @APTalksCricket, praised the “no mean feat” of chasing 282 on a tricky pitch.
| South Africa’s WTC 2023-25 Cycle | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 12 |
| Matches Won | 7 |
| Key Series Wins | Bangladesh, India, England |
| Key Players | Rabada, Markram, Bavuma |
| Final Result | Beat Australia by 5 wickets |
3. The WTC Final 2025: A Historic Victory
Proteas ICC Trophy 2025 Shines
South Africa 27-Year ICC Drought 2025 Ends The Proteas ICC trophy 2025 was clinched in a dramatic five-wicket win at Lord’s on June 14, 2025. Australia posted 212 in their first innings, bowled out by Rabada’s 5-51 and Marco Jansen’s 3 wickets. South Africa’s reply of 138, with Pat Cummins’ 6-28, gave Australia a 74-run lead. Australia’s second innings reached 206, setting a 282-run target.
Day 4 saw Markram’s 136 and Bavuma’s 66, despite his hamstring injury, forge a 147-run partnership. Kyle Verreynne’s winning boundary off Starc at 12:45 PM sparked celebrations, as per The Guardian. X posts from @cricbuzz hailed the “glory” moment, with green pyrotechnics lighting up Lord’s.
| WTC Final 2025 Scorecard | Details |
|---|---|
| Australia 1st Innings | 212 (56.4 overs, Webster 72, Rabada 5-51) |
| South Africa 1st Innings | 138 (57.1 overs, Cummins 6-28) |
| Australia 2nd Innings | 206 (Carey 43, Ngidi 3-38) |
| South Africa 2nd Innings | 282/5 (Markram 136, Bavuma 66) |
| Result | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
4. Key Performers: Markram, Bavuma, and Rabada
South Africa 27-Year ICC Drought 2025 Heroes
South Africa 27-Year ICC Drought 2025 Ends South Africa’s 27-year ICC drought in 2025 ended thanks to stellar performances. Aiden Markram’s 136 off 207 balls, with 14 fours, was “majestic,” per Rediff. Temba Bavuma, despite a hamstring injury, scored 66, surviving a dropped catch by Steve Smith. Kagiso Rabada’s 5-51 and 4-59, including Usman Khawaja’s wicket, were pivotal, as Hindustan Times noted.
Marco Jansen’s 3 wickets and Lungi Ngidi’s 3-38 bolstered the attack. Keshav Maharaj, in tears, thanked fans on X (@Akshisgoat), while Jansen called Markram’s knock “un-freaking-believable.” The Times of India praised Rabada’s “brilliant” bowling, which set the tone.
| Key Performers in WTC Final 2025 | Stats |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram (Batting) | 136 (207 balls, 14 fours) |
| Temba Bavuma (Batting) | 66 (134 balls, 5 fours) |
| Kagiso Rabada (Bowling) | 9 wickets (5-51, 4-59) |
| Marco Jansen (Bowling) | 3 wickets |
| Lungi Ngidi (Bowling) | 3 wickets (3-38) |
5. Shukri Conrad’s Coaching Revolution
South Africa WTC Win History Under Conrad
South Africa 27-Year ICC Drought 2025 Ends South Africa’s WTC win history in 2025 owes much to coach Shukri Conrad. His fearless approach, inspired by the Springboks, transformed the team, as per ICC’s post. Conrad’s belief in “going after the Aussies” empowered players, with 11 wins in 15 Tests under his tenure, per The Washington Post. He backed Bavuma despite injury concerns, a decision Ashwell Prince admitted was bold.
X posts from @weRcricket called Conrad’s impact “steely resolve,” while Cricket Fanatics Magazine noted his “larger-than-life” presence. His tailored plans, with input from Stuart Broad for Lord’s, were key, per The Guardian.
| Shukri Conrad’s Coaching Record (2023-25) | Details |
|---|---|
| Tests Coached | 15 |
| Wins | 11 |
| Key Achievement | WTC 2025 Title |
| Philosophy | Fearless, attack-minded |
6. Legacy of the WTC 2025 Win
Proteas ICC Trophy 2025 Redefines History
South Africa 27-Year ICC Drought 2025 Ends The Proteas ICC trophy 2025 reshaped South African cricket’s narrative. Moneycontrol reported it “swept away the chokers tag,” boosting Test cricket’s allure. The win inspired young cricketers, with academies buzzing, as per Pratidin TV’s coverage of celebrations. X posts from @JosD92official hailed it as “a curse broken,” reflecting global joy.
Markram and Rabada’s IPL roles with Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings tie this triumph to “IPL Star”’s audience, signaling their rising stock for IPL 2026. The victory positions South Africa as a Test powerhouse, with Bavuma’s leadership paving the way for future success.
| South Africa’s ICC Titles | Details |
|---|---|
| 1998 ICC Knockout Cup | Beat West Indies |
| 2025 WTC Final | Beat Australia by 5 wickets |
Conclusion
South Africa’s 27-year ICC drought in 2025 ended with a glorious WTC Final win, a moment that healed decades of heartbreak. Aiden Markram’s 136, Temba Bavuma’s courage, and Kagiso Rabada’s fire delivered the Proteas ICC trophy 2025, as fans on X, like @ICC, celebrated “a day to remember.” Shukri Conrad’s vision turned doubters into believers, crowning South Africa champions.
On “IPL Star,” we honor this triumph, tying Markram and Rabada’s heroics to their IPL stardom. Share this article on X with #WTCFinal2025 and #Proteas, and join the celebration! What’s your favorite moment from this historic win? Comment below and explore more on our site.
FAQ: South Africa’s WTC 2025 Victory
1. How Did South Africa End Their 27-Year ICC Drought in 2025?
South Africa’s 27-year ICC drought in 2025 ended with a five-wicket WTC Final win over Australia at Lord’s. Aiden Markram’s 136 and Kagiso Rabada’s 9 wickets led the Proteas to chase 282, securing their first ICC title since 1998.
2. Why Did South Africa Take 27 Years to Win an ICC Trophy?
South Africa faced near-misses in World Cups (1999, 2007, 2015) and the 2024 T20 final, earning the “chokers” tag. The 27-year ICC drought in 2025 ended with their WTC Final triumph, driven by Markram and Bavuma’s heroics.
3. What Was South Africa’s WTC Win History in 2025?
South Africa’s WTC win history in 2025 included 7 victories in 12 matches, with key wins in Bangladesh and India. Their five-wicket WTC Final win over Australia at Lord’s marked their first global Test title.
4. How Did the Proteas Win the ICC Trophy in 2025?
The Proteas ICC trophy 2025 was won by chasing 282 in the WTC Final. Markram’s 136, Bavuma’s 66, and Rabada’s 5-51 outclassed Australia, ending with Verreynne’s boundary, sealing a historic five-wicket victory.
5. Who Were the Key Players in South Africa’s WTC Final 2025?
Aiden Markram (136), Temba Bavuma (66), and Kagiso Rabada (9 wickets) were pivotal in South Africa’s WTC Final win. Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi’s bowling supported the Proteas’ historic triumph at Lord’s.
6. What Role Did Shukri Conrad Play in WTC 2025?
Coach Shukri Conrad’s fearless tactics led South Africa to 11 Test wins in 15 under his tenure. His belief-driven approach ended the 27-year ICC drought in 2025, earning praise for transforming the Proteas.
7. How Did Fans React to South Africa’s WTC 2025 Win?
Fans on X, like @SivanJohn_, called the WTC 2025 win “monumental.” Celebrations erupted globally, with @cricbuzz hailing the Proteas’ “glory” moment, marking the end of their 27-year ICC drought.
8. What Was the Significance of the Proteas ICC Trophy 2025?
The Proteas ICC trophy 2025, won at Lord’s, erased the “chokers” tag, boosted Test cricket’s appeal, and inspired young players, cementing South Africa’s place as a Test cricket powerhouse.
9. How Does WTC 2025 Impact Markram and Rabada’s IPL Roles?
Markram and Rabada’s WTC heroics enhance their IPL 2026 profiles with LSG and Punjab Kings. Fans on X predict leadership roles, tying their Test success to “IPL Star”’s audience.
10. What’s Next for South Africa After WTC 2025?
The WTC 2025 win sets South Africa for Test dominance. With Bavuma’s leadership and young talents like Jansen, the Proteas aim to build on their 27-year drought-ending triumph.