The ICC World Test Championship 2025 final has become a historic occasion for cricket enthusiasts, with South Africa and Australia facing off. This epic clash is being played at the prestigious Lord's Cricket Ground in London.
ICC Trophies Winner: While some cricket teams cultivate a winning habit, others grapple with consistent struggles. The world's eyes are currently fixed on Lord's in London, where the excitement of the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final is at its peak. The match is between two powerful teams—South Africa and Australia. Three days of play have been completed, and Africa is very close to victory.
At the close of play on the third day, South Africa's score is 213/2, needing only 69 more runs for victory with 8 wickets in hand. Aiden Markram (102) and Temba Bavuma (65) are firmly entrenched at the crease. If South Africa wins today, June 14th, it will not only be a WTC final title but also a historic milestone—ending a 27-year ICC title drought.
Most ICC Trophies Won?
The ICC (International Cricket Council) organizes several major tournaments, including:
- World Cup (ODI)
- T20 World Cup
- Champions Trophy
- World Test Championship (WTC)
- Australia holds the distinction of winning the most ICC trophies.
Statistics to Date (Until 2025)
| Team/Country | Total ICC Trophies | ICC World Cup | ICC T20 World Cup | ICC Champions Trophy | ICC World Test Championship |
| Australia | 10 | 6 times (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, 2023) | 1 time (2021) | 2 times (2006, 2009) | 1 (2021-2023 cycle) |
| India | 7 | 2 times (1983, 2011) | 2 times (2007, 2024) | 3 times (2002 jointly, 2013, 2025) | 0 |
| West Indies | 5 | 2 times (1975, 1979) | 2 times (2012, 2016) | 1 time (2004) | 0 |
| Pakistan | 3 | 1 time (1992) | 1 time (2009) | 1 time (2017) | 0 |
| Sri Lanka | 3 | 1 time (1996) | 1 time (2014) | 1 time (2002 jointly) | 0 |
| England | 3 | 1 time (2019) | 2 times (2010, 2022) | 0 | 0 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 time (2000) | 1 time (2019-2021) |
| South Africa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 time (1998) | 0 |
A 27-Year Drought and the 'Chokers' Tag
South Africa last won an ICC trophy in 1998, the ICC Knockout Trophy (later the Champions Trophy) held in Dhaka. Since then, the team has repeatedly reached semi-finals and finals but consistently faltered at crucial moments.
- 1999 World Cup semi-final: Tied and eliminated by Australia
- 2015 World Cup semi-final: Lost to New Zealand
- 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final: Another defeat
Each time, the weight of expectation and pressure seemed to overwhelm South Africa. This led to them being labeled 'chokers'—a team that crumbles under pressure in big matches. The 2025 World Test Championship final is not just another match for South Africa; it's a turning point, a rebirth. If South Africa wins this time:
- It will be their first ICC title in 27 years.
- They will become only the third team to win the WTC trophy (after India and New Zealand).
- The team's psychological burden will be lifted, and they will play with greater confidence in future ICC competitions.
