History for South Africa. That too, at their home. Hosts of the T20 World Cup 2023, South Africa defeated England by 6 runs to enter the final of any World Cup for the first time ever, men or women.

Sune Luus-led South Africa won the toss and decided to bat first in Newlands with the hope of putting a big score on the board. England looked confident after topping their group and Lauren Bell came back into the XI for them.

Read Also: Team India's results in every Women's T20 World Cup

Taznim and Laura give the perfect start to SA's inning

South Africa had a perfect start with Laura Wolvaardt and Taznim Brits with a huge opening partnership for them. Both put up a partnership of 96 runs in just 13.4 overs which gave the hosts the chance to change the gear in the final overs of the first inning.

Laura completed her fifty in 42 balls while Taznim took 43 balls to complete her fifty. Post departure of Laura Wolvaardt, it was Marizanne Kapp who lashed on anything that was presented to her. Taznim departed after scoring a match-defining 68 from 55 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes. Lauren Bell was the wicket-taker for England this time.

England bowlers could not restrict South Africa from getting over 160 as Kapp scored 27 from 13 with 4 boundaries. Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the bowlers for England with 22/3 in her full quota of four overs.

Perfect start for England as well | T20 World Cup 2023

The chase started on a great note for England as Danni Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley put up 53 runs for the first wicket in just 5.1 overs. England had a solid base to complete the chase to face Australia in the final of the T20 World Cup 2023.

But, Shabnim Ismail had something else in mind. After picking up Sophia Dunkley (28 from 16) for the first wicket of the match, she sent Alice Capsey back to the pavilion just two balls later.

Nat Sciver-Brunt then steadied the ship for England. Nat scored a steady 40 from 34 balls while Danni Wyatt was picked up by Ayabonga Khaka. Taznim Brits with the catch to complete the dismissal.

With 32 needed from 22 balls, England were surely the team with the upper hand in the chase. But, Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail became the heroes for their country to script history.

Khaka and Ismail become heroes for South Africa | T20 World Cup 2023

Amy Jones (2), Sophie Ecclestone (1) and Katherine Sciver-Brunt (0) became victims of Ayabonga Khaka in the 18th over to turn things around for the host nation.

With Sarah Glenn and captain Heather Knight at the crease, England needed 12 from the last over with Cape Town's very own Shabnim Ismail standing in front of them. Ismail bowled one of the fastest overs in Women's Cricket as she uprooted Heather Knight's stumps on the third ball of the over. Ismail only went for 6 runs in the final over as South Africa crossed the line for the first time by 6 runs.

This will be their first-ever final of any World Cup, be it Men's or Women's cricket when they face Australia in T20 World Cup 2023 final, coming Sunday.

Taznim Brits was adjudged player of the match for her 68 from 55 balls and four catches in the match.

SA vs ENG | Scorecard

SA: 164/4 (20) | T. Brits 68, Laura Wolvaardt 53, Sophie Ecclestone 22/3
ENG: 158/8 (20) | Nat Sciver-Brunt 40, Ayabonga Khaka 29/4, Shabnim Ismail 27/3

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised the prize money for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, announcing a massive $3.6 million prize for the winners of the upcoming final between Australia and South Africa, set to take place at Lord’s from June 11-15.

This record-breaking purse, more than double the $1.6 million awarded to previous champions New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023), underlines the ICC’s commitment to elevating Test cricket’s prestige and importance.

The losing finalists will also walk away with a hefty $2.1 million, surpassing the prize money awarded to past winners. This significant financial boost reflects the ICC’s push to sustain the momentum of the nine-team competition, now in its third thrilling cycle.

Read Also | Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

WTC Final Details

The stage is set for a clash of titans at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, hosting its first-ever WTC Final. South Africa, buoyed by commanding 2-0 home series wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, clinched their spot with 69.44 percentage points.

Defending champions Australia, finishing with 67.54 points, are eager to retain the Test Mace in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle.

Read Also | Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed his excitement, stating, “The third cycle of the World Test Championship has been captivating, with the finalists decided only in the closing stages. Australia and South Africa will deliver a fitting celebration of Test cricket at Lord’s, and I’m confident fans worldwide will witness top-class action.”

A battle of wills, minds and hearts in the Ultimate Test 👊

The #WTC25 Final at Lord's is upon us 🏟 pic.twitter.com/JsNXpmgOXD

— ICC (@ICC) May 15, 2025

What did the captains say?

Australian captain Pat Cummins, reflecting on the honour of defending their title, said, “Playing at Lord’s for the World Test Championship is a proud moment for us. South Africa will bring a tough challenge, and we’re ready to give it our all at the home of cricket.”

South Africa’s Temba Bavuma echoed the sentiment, emphasising the significance of the occasion. “Reaching the WTC Final is a huge opportunity to win an ICC title. Lord’s is the perfect stage, and we’re determined to put our best foot forward against Australia.”

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Prize Money Breakdown

The increased prize money extends beyond the finalists, with the full breakdown as follows:

• Winner: $3,600,000

• Runners-up: $2,160,000

• Third (India): $1,440,000

• Fourth (New Zealand): $1,200,000

• Fifth (England): $960,000

• Sixth (Sri Lanka): $840,000

• Seventh (Bangladesh): $720,000

• Eighth (West Indies): $600,000

• Ninth (Pakistan): $480,000

World Test Championship (WTC) finalist South Africa and Australia have announced their squad. The WTC Final match will be played at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground on June 11.

Also Read: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

Ngidi back in Proteas squad

The Proteas have been strengthened by the return of Lungi Ngidi, who was out of action for most of the domestic summer season due to a back injury. Ngidi was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025.

South Africa has made only two changes in its team from the last Test series against Pakistan. Ngidi has been included in place of young player Kwena Maphaka, while top order batsman Matthew Breetzke has not been included.

Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad has today announced the 15-player squad for the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia, taking place from 11 – 15 June at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Temba Bavuma will lead the side, with the pace… pic.twitter.com/e76WCrd2zl

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) May 13, 2025

Bavuma to lead the team

Temba Bavuma will lead the team. He helped South Africa finish first in the WTC standings. The team won many games under his captaincy. He has done well as a leader.

The top-order batters include Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Ryan Rickelton. These players have scored runs in recent matches. They can handle tough bowling attacks.

David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs are part of the middle-order. They are in good form. Bavuma also bats in the middle order. Kyle Verreynne will keep wickets. He is quick and can score runs fast.

Strong bowling attack

South Africa’s bowling attack is strong. Kagiso Rabada is their top pacer. He is back in the team. The fast bowler had a one-month break due to a ban. He completed a rehab program. Now, he can play again.

Lungi Ngidi joins Rabada. Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, and Dane Paterson complete the pace unit. All can bowl fast and take wickets.

Keshav Maharaj leads the spin group. Senuran Muthusamy is the second spinner. They both have good control and experience.

Cameron Green return to Australian squad

Earlier, defending champion Australia also announced its squad today for WTC Final. The Kangaroo team has almost the same members who played against India and Sri Lanka earlier this year. This same Australian team will play a three-match Test series in the West Indies starting June 25.

Cameron Green's return to the Test squad after back surgery also has been confirmed, with spinner Matt Kuhnemann also included. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood missed Australia's most recent Test series in Sri Lanka due to injury, while Green is in line to make his first Test appearance in more than 12 months after recovering from back surgery.

Big names return in Australia's squad for next month's World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord's 👊

More on their squad for the #WTC25 decider 👉 https://t.co/v12jK8PQ22 pic.twitter.com/1vbXm4FmRi

— ICC (@ICC) May 13, 2025

Australia's squad full of experience

Australia's squad is full of experience and at full strength for the Proteas' clash with Cummins joined by fellow quicks Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Hazlewood in a 15-player squad that also has two spinning options in Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann.

Meanwhile, teenager Sam Konstas is also included, with Green and fellow all-rounder Beau Webster battling it out with key batters Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head and Josh Inglis for a spot in the XI.

On the other hand, Inglis can provide support for first-choice keeper Alex Carey, while Brendan Doggett will travel with the squad as a reserve.

Also Read: IPL 2025 to resume from 17th May: Here is the revised schedule

WTC Final | Squads

Australia

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. 

Travelling Reserve: Brendan Dogget

South Africa

Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy.

Harry Brook was recently named England's white-ball captain, succeeding Jos Buttler, who stepped down in February 2025 following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. Brook now has become the 38th ODI captain for England and 15th to be named as T20I captain of the country as well. 

Ray Illingworth was the first-ever ODI and white-ball captain of England, who was also part of the first-ever men's One-day cricket match in 1971. Mike Denness and Tony Greig followed him on the list.

Michael Vaughan was the first T20I captain of England as he led the team in the shortest format of the game for the first time in 2005. Stuart Broad and Craig Kieswetter are a few of the players who captained the team only in T20Is. In the meantime, Michael Vaughan, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, and Jos Buttler led them in both ODIs and T20Is. 

Read Also | Highest Totals in ODI cricket history

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Indian men's cricket team's schedule for the upcoming home series against West Indies and South Africa. The men in blue will play a two-match test series against the West Indies to start the 2025-26 season, followed by an all-format series against South Africa. 

The West Indies series will start with the test match, starting from 2nd October 2025 in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, the second and final test match of the series will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, starting from 10th October. 

After the West Indies series, the focus will be shifted towards the all-format home series against the strong Proteas side. The first test match of the series will be played in New Delhi from 14th November. Guwahati will host its first-ever test match, as the test series is set to end there from 22nd November. 

The three-match ODI series will be played in Ranchi, Raipur, and Vizag. On the other hand, the five-match T20I series will be played in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. 

Here is the full schedule for the home series against West Indies and South Africa

West Indies Tour of India 2025

South Africa Tour of India 2025

After their sensational victory over England, Afghanistan now have a shot at the semi-final berth in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This now means we have a three-way battle for the semi-final spot between Afghanistan, Australia and South Africa. 

Group B Points table | ICC Champions Trophy

Here is how the scenarios are currently in Group B. 

We can check from the points table that South Africa are leading the Group B now with 3 points and a positive net run rate of 2.140. Meantime, Australia are following them with the same amount of points but a lesser NRR of 0.475. 

On the other hand, Afghanistan are third with 2 points and a negative NRR of -0.990 with England getting knocked out of the tournament already.

Read Also | England vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Inglis and Aussie batters chased down biggest target of ICC ODI events

Matches left in Group B

• Australia vs Afghanistan - 28 February 2025 - Lahore
• England vs South Africa - 1st March 2025 - Karachi

How can Afghanistan qualify for semis of Champions Trophy 2025?

As per the current situation, here are the below things that can happen.