South Africa vs Australian Cricket Team
The rivalry between the South African and Australian cricket teams is one of the fiercest and most thrilling in the history of the sport. From unforgettable World Cup clashes to gritty Test battles, these two powerhouses have built a legacy defined by intense competition, moments of brilliance, and emotional highs and lows. The 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s added another glorious chapter to this long-standing feud — and this time, it was South Africa who emerged victorious.
WTC Final 2025 Recap: South Africa’s Redemption at Lord’s
In what was billed as a showdown of champions, South Africa defeated Australia by 5 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, held at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from June 11–14.
Led by captain Temba Bavuma, the Proteas made history — not only by winning their first ICC title since 1998, but by silencing the long-standing “chokers” tag that had haunted them for decades.
Match Highlights:
- Australia 1st Innings: 212 all out (Steve Smith 66, Webster 72; Rabada 5/51, Jansen 3/49)
- South Africa 1st Innings: 305 all out (Markram 136, Bedingham 58; Starc 4/72)
- Australia 2nd Innings: 185 all out (Smith 41, Carey 29; Rabada 4/45)
- South Africa 2nd Innings: 95/5 (Target 93)
Player of the Match: Aiden Markram – The Lord of Lord’s
Aiden Markram delivered a knock for the ages, scoring 136 runs in South Africa’s first innings. His century — composed under pressure, against a hostile Australian bowling attack — turned the tide of the match. He was named Player of the Match and hailed as the “New Wall” of South African cricket.
“This one’s for every South African who waited, hoped, and believed,” said Markram post-match.
Kagiso Rabada: 9 Wickets That Shattered Australia
Kagiso Rabada proved once again why he’s one of the fiercest pacers in the world. With match figures of 9 wickets (5/51 and 4/45), he dismantled the Australian top order across both innings.
His fiery spells were a masterclass in pace, bounce, and accuracy — especially under the cloudy English skies.
Head-to-Head Stats: South Africa vs Australia
| Format | Matches | South Africa Wins | Australia Wins | Draw/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 103 | 28 | 54 | 21 |
| ODIs | 109 | 55 | 50 | 4 |
| T20Is | 25 | 11 | 14 | 0 |
- South Africa has now won 10 of their last 11 matches against Australia across formats.
- The WTC Final win evens the playing field in Test rivalry after years of Aussie dominance.
ICC World Test Championship Standings – Final 2025
| Rank | Team | Points | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 148 | 61.4 |
| 2 | Australia | 132 | 54.7 |
| 3 | India | 120 | 52.1 |
| 4 | England | 116 | 50.8 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 101 | 45.2 |
Source: ICC official WTC table (June 2025)
Memorable Moments in the SA vs AUS Rivalry
- 1999 World Cup Semi-Final: One of the greatest ODIs of all time — heartbreak for South Africa.
- 438 Game in 2006: South Africa chased down Australia’s 434 in Johannesburg — a record that stood for years.
- 2018 Sandpaper Scandal: Series marked by controversy in Cape Town — sparked a global conversation.
- 2025 WTC Final: South Africa finally lifts a major Test trophy — rewriting their legacy.
Key Rivalry Legends
South Africa
- Jacques Kallis – 2,100+ runs vs AUS
- Dale Steyn – 70 wickets in 15 matches
- AB de Villiers – Match-winner in all formats
- Aiden Markram – New-generation hero
- Australia
- Ricky Ponting – Over 2,500 runs vs SA
- Shane Warne – 130 wickets across formats
- Steve Smith – Modern-day Test master
- Pat Cummins – Current pace spearhead
Full Scorecard – WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s
Australia 1st Innings – 212 all out
- Webster 72 (92), Smith 66 (112)
- Rabada 5/51, Jansen 3/49
South Africa 1st Innings – 305 all out
- Markram 136 (221), Bedingham 58
- Starc 4/72, Cummins 3/58
Australia 2nd Innings – 185 all out
- Smith 41, Carey 29
- Rabada 4/45, Maharaj 2/19
South Africa 2nd Innings – 95/5 (Target: 93)
- Markram 22*, Verreynne 19*,
- Cummins 2/17, Starc 1/24
Final Thoughts: A Win That Changes Everything
This victory isn’t just a Test match win — it’s a cultural moment for South African cricket. The narrative has shifted. The “nearly men” of world cricket are now champions.
From Aiden Markram’s grace under fire to Rabada’s unstoppable pace, every South African stepped up when it mattered most. And now, the world knows: South Africa has arrived.
