South African cricketer Aiden Markram has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for June 2025, following his outstanding performance in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 final against Australia.
Aiden Markram played a pivotal role in South Africa’s historic win, guiding his team to their first-ever WTC title. He scored a match-winning century, anchoring the chase of a challenging 282-run target. His composed innings of 136 runs was the backbone of South Africa’s batting effort. In addition to his heroics with the bat, Aiden Markram also contributed with the ball, taking two vital wickets during the match.
The shortlist for the June award included three standout performers: Aiden Markram, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, and Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka. Rabada impressed with his exceptional bowling display in the WTC final, finishing with nine wickets across both innings. Meanwhile, Nissanka was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s Test series win over Bangladesh earlier in the month.
Ultimately, it was Markram’s all-round impact and leadership in a high-stakes final that earned him the prestigious Player of the Month honour.
Aiden Markram: South Africa Clinch Historic Win Over Australia in ICC WTC 2023-25 Final
The Proteas won the toss and opted to bowl first. Australia managed to score 212 runs in their first innings, thanks to solid half-centuries from Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72). However, it was Kagiso Rabada who stole the show with a stunning five-wicket haul that dismantled Australia’s batting lineup.
In response, South Africa struggled with the bat and were bowled out for just 138 runs. David Bedingham was the top scorer with 45 runs. Australia gained a 74-run lead after the first innings, putting pressure back on the Proteas.
Australia’s second innings saw them post 207 runs on the board. Mitchell Starc played a crucial knock of 58 runs, but it was once again Rabada who turned the game in South Africa’s favour with four key wickets.
Chasing a target of 282, South Africa produced a remarkable batting performance in the final innings. After a duck in the first innings, Aiden Markram bounced back with a sensational century. Captain Temba Bavuma supported him with a vital 66-run contribution.
South Africa completed the chase with five wickets in hand, sealing a memorable win and lifting the WTC trophy. Aiden Markram was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock in the second innings.
