Dubai [UAE], July 14: South Africa’s star batter Aiden Markram has been crowned ICC Player of the Month for June following his match-winning performance in the World Test Championship Final 2025 against Australia at Lord’s.
The 30-year-old right-hander produced a stellar all-round display, scoring 136 runs and taking two key wickets to help South Africa lift their first major ICC trophy in 27 years. Markram was also named Player of the Match for his heroics in the final.
“It is a privilege to receive this award,” said Markram. “To contribute to a World Test Championship win for South Africa is something that means a lot to me. Winning the final at Lord’s is a historic moment for South African cricket and something we will remember forever,” he added, acknowledging the crucial roles of Kagiso Rabada and Temba Bavuma in the victory.
Markram’s all-round impact was felt from the beginning. With Australia building momentum through a solid partnership between Steve Smith and Beau Webster, Markram was brought into the attack and struck gold, dismissing Smith with his sixth delivery. That breakthrough shifted the momentum in South Africa’s favor.
Although he was dismissed for a duck by Mitchell Starc in the first innings, Markram made an unforgettable comeback in the second innings. South Africa faced a 282-run target under pressure, having conceded a 74-run lead and a frustrating 59-run last-wicket stand from Australia.
Markram helped seal the win by first claiming the final Australian wicket (Josh Hazlewood) and then guiding the chase with a composed and resilient knock of 136 runs. He stitched together key partnerships, notably with Wiaan Mulder and injured captain Temba Bavuma, showing leadership and composure under pressure.
His innings was a mix of patience, power, and precision—one of the finest performances in World Test Championship history. It not only led South Africa to a historic triumph at the Home of Cricket but also secured Markram’s place in the annals of cricketing greatness.