WTC Final 2025 : Australia VS South Africa

 

WTC Final 2025: Australia Dominates Day 1 Against South Africa at Lord’s

The much-awaited World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 kicked off in dramatic fashion at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, where Australia and South Africa locked horns in a battle for supremacy. The first day was nothing short of a bowling masterclass, with 14 wickets falling, setting the stage for an intense contest.

Australia Fights Back After Early Struggles

Winning the toss, South African captain Temba Bavuma opted to bowl first, a decision that seemed justified under overcast conditions. The Proteas’ pace attack, led by the fiery Kagiso Rabada, wreaked havoc on Australia’s top order.

Rabada, who has a knack for performing at Lord’s, added another five-wicket haul to his name, finishing with 5/51. He struck early, removing Usman Khawaja (0) with a beauty that nipped away, forcing an edge to slip. Cameron Green (4), promoted to No. 3, fell soon after, edging one to third slip where Aiden Markram took a stunning low catch and later took wickets of Beau Webster (72), Cummins and Mitchel Starc. Marco Jansen provided excellent support, claiming 3/49, while Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram chipped in with a wicket each.

Despite the early collapse, Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) steadied the ship with gritty half-centuries. Smith, playing on his favourite overseas ground, looked in sublime touch before falling to a surprise dismissal against part-time spinner Aiden Markram. Webster, who survived multiple close calls, played a crucial knock but couldn’t prevent Australia from being bowled out for 212.

South Africa’s Batting Collapse: Australia Strikes Back

If the first two sessions belonged to South Africa, the final session was all about Australia’s pace trio—Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood.

Starc, known for his lethal first-over strikes, dismissed Aiden Markram (0) in the very first over, shattering his stumps with a vicious inswinger. Ryan Rickelton (16) followed soon after, edging one to slip.

South Africa’s batting woes continued as Wiaan Mulder (6 off 44 balls) struggled before Cummins clean bowled him. Tristan Stubbs (2) was then cleaned up by a beauty from Hazlewood, leaving the Proteas reeling at 43/4 at stumps.

Only Temba Bavuma (3*) and David Bedingham (8*) survived the day, but South Africa still trail by 169 runs, with six wickets in hand.

Key Takeaways from Day 1

 Rabada’s Brilliance – The South African speedster once again proved why he’s among the best, dismantling Australia’s batting lineup.

 Smith & Webster’s Resistance – Despite the collapse, Smith and Webster showed fight, ensuring Australia crossed 200.

 Australia’s Pace Attack Fires – Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood struck early, putting South Africa under immense pressure.

What to Expect on Day 2?

With South Africa still 169 runs behind, the second day will be crucial. Can Bavuma and Bedingham stage a recovery? Or will Australia’s bowlers wrap things up quickly?

One thing is certain—this WTC Final is far from over, and cricket fans are in for a thrilling contest!

Who do you think will dominate Day 2? Let us know in the comments!