WTC Final Top Performers
The World Test Championship, introduced by the ICC in 2019, was a major step towards adding context and climax to Test cricket. Played across a two-year cycle, the top two teams on the points table meet in the final at a neutral venue. So let’s have a look at who are the WTC Final Top Performers.
Over three editions so far, we’ve seen three different champions, New Zealand, Australia, and now, South Africa, underlining the evolving balance of power in red-ball cricket.
2021 – New Zealand
India and New Zealand faced off in the first-ever WTC final at the neutral location in England. Under Virat Kohli’s leadership, India scored 217 runs in their opening innings, while New Zealand claimed a slim 32-run lead after scoring 249 runs.
Although India had the advantage of setting a high total and controlling the game after the midway point, they were unable to reach a significant total and were dismissed for 170 in their second innings, with Rishabh Pant scoring the most runs for them at 41.
With only 139 to chase in the fourth innings, the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand won the match with eight wickets in hand and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.
2023 – Australia
After playing incredibly well in the 2021–2023 cycle, India advanced to the WTC finals for the second consecutive year. This time, they faced the formidable Australia at a neutral location in England.
Australia batted first and amassed a massive 469 in the first innings, largely due to a solid 285-run partnership between Travis Head and Steve Smith. In the process, both scored hundreds and gave Australia the upper hand.
India, in reply, were bowled out for 296 runs, 173 runs behind the Aussie. The Australian took the full advantage and set a 444-target at the Kennington Oval in London.
Team India only able to score 234 in run chase and lost their second consecutive WTC final.
2025 – South Africa
For the first time, South Africa reached the WTC final after finishing first in the WTC 2023-25 points table, and they played just as they had in previous years.
After bowling out Australia for 212, the Proteas were also bowled out for 138 in their first innings. The Australians, who led by 74 runs, lost seven wickets at 73, but thanks to Micthell Starc’s (58) brave innings and Alex Carey’s 43, they reached 207 and challenged the Proteas to chase 282 at Lord’s.
A difficult assignment, but Aiden Markram’s tenacity and skipper Temba Bavuma’s confidence led South Africa to victory. Markram was named player of the match for his 136-run knock, while Bavuma’s crucial 66, despite playing in discomfort, was well worth it.
Top performers in WTC finals
Year Player Team Performance 2021 Kyle Jamieson New Zealand 7 wickets, 21 runs, Player of the match 2023 Travis Head Australia 163 runs (1st innings), Player of the match 2025 Aiden Markram South Africa 136 runs (4th innings), Player of the Match
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