WTC 2025 Final: South Africa end their ICC Trophy Drought after 9,722 Days - What was their last ICC Crown?

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South Africa have beaten Australia to win the World Test Championship crown in a thrilling battle at the Lord's in London.

Despite having a first-innings deficit by 74 runs, the Proteas roared back in the second innings to secure a mammoth victory over the Aussies. Aiden Markram charged their batting with a scintillating hundred, thus paving the way for a historic title.

On Day 4 of the WTC 2025 final, South Africa needed 69 runs to win, and they chased it down with ease. Despite captain Temba Bavuma's dismissal, South Africa steered their ship towards the coast. Markram got dismissed on 136 runs as the Proteas won by 5 wickets, registering a colossal win for the country.

After numerous heartbreaks in ICC tournaments, South Africa has finally got their hands on an ICC crown. They lost the ICC T20 World Cup final in 2024, failed to cross the barrier in various previous tournaments, but this WTC title is a famous one for the country, who have finally an ICC trophy to show for in the 21st century.

South Africa end their ICC Trophy drought after 26 Years

With the win, South Africa has ended their wait for an ICC trophy in more than 26 years, with 9722 days to be precise. Their last ICC crown came in the ICC Knockout Trophy back in 1998, which has now been rechristened as the ICC Champions Trophy.

What happened when South Africa won an ICC Final Last Time?

1998 ICC Knockout Trophy Final - South Africa vs West Indies

Date: November 1, 1998
Venue: Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Result: South Africa won by 4 wickets

West Indies got off to a thunderous start, largely due to Philo Wallace, who tore into the South African new-ball bowlers with an explosive display of power hitting. He brought up his century off just 102 balls, his maiden and only ODI century. Wallace dominated a 92-run opening stand with Clayton Lambert, giving the Windies a platform of 180/3 by the 35th over. South Africa's bowlers, led by Jacques Kallis and Lance Klusener, reined the innings back expertly after the Wallace onslaught. From 183/2, West Indies lost 8 wickets for 62 runs, ending up at 245.

Chasing 246 in a high-pressure final, South Africa showed poise and patience. Mike Rindel (49) and Hansie Cronje (61) were instrumental in anchoring the innings during the chase. The foundation was solid, though the run-rate kept creeping up due to tight spells from Nixon McLean and Carl Hooper. Jonty Rhodes and Daryll Cullinan chipped in with handy contributions in the middle order. Jacques Kallis, though scoring only 37, played a composed knock and contributed significantly with the ball as well - earning him the Player of the Match award. Despite a few late stumbles, South Africa crossed the target in the 47th over with 4 wickets in hand, showing maturity and calmness under pressure.

SA vs WI Brief Scorecard in 1998 Knockout Final

West Indies - 245 all out (49.3 overs)

Philo Wallace - 103 (102)
Carl Hooper - 49 (72)
Clayton Lambert - 25 (39)

Jacques Kallis - 2/35 (8)
Allan Donald - 2/52 (10)
Lance Klusener - 2/38 (9)

South Africa - 248/6 (47 overs)

Hansie Cronje - 61 (77)
Mike Rindel - 49 (71)
Jacques Kallis - 37 (50)
Jonty Rhodes - 36 (52)

Keith Arthurton - 2/48 (9)
Nixon McLean - 2/39 (9)

Player of the Match: Jacques Kallis
Player of the Tournament: Jacques Kallis