WTC final: All you need to know about prize money distribution

South Africa emerged victorious by five wickets against Australia in the final 2023-25 World Test Championship at Lord's. It was an iconic and historic victory for South Africa as they ended a 27-year wait for an ICC title triumph. They were successful in wrapping up the game within the first session of the fourth day after dominating the latter half of the contest against the Pat Cummins-led outfit, who were coming into the clash as defending champions. 

Opting to field first, Australia were bundled out for 212 in 56.4 overs. There was nothing much to show for them apart from contributions from Steve Smith (66 off 112) and Beau Webster (72 off 92) as Kagiso Rabada starred with a five-wicket haul (5/51 in 15.4 overs). South Africa found batting difficult too, as they were rolled over for 74 runs fewer than the Aussies. The scenario could have been even grimmer had Temba Bavuma (36 off 84) and David Bedingham (45 off 111) not scored the runs they did in the first innings. Cummins (6/28 in 18.1 overs) was excellent with the ball.

Despite the pivotal lead, Australia failed to make the most of it as they found themselves 73/7 at one point before critical partnerships between Alex Carey (43 off 50), Mitchell Starc (58* off 136) and Josh Hazlewood (17 off 53) made Australia set a sizeable total for South Africa. Rabada fell one short of a fifth 10-wicket haul in a match. Chasing 282, South Africa were two down for 70 but a brilliant century by Aiden Markram (136* off 207) and a crucial 66 off 134 by skipper Bavuma set up the perfect victory for them at the Home of Cricket.

A significant surge in cash money was observed from the 2021-23 edition of the WTC. The winners of the 2023-25 installment were paid $2M more than what was received in 2023. The sides finishing in the bottom four received $100,000 each in 2023, that wasn't the case this time around.