WTC Final 2025: South Africa dominated Day 1 of the World Test Championship Final 2025 against Australia at Lord’s. After winning the toss, South African captain Temba Bavuma opted to bowl first, a decision that proved to be highly effective.
Kagiso Rabada spearheaded the bowling attack with an impressive performance, taking 5 wickets for just 45 runs in 15.4 overs, which included five maidens. His explosive spell dismantled both the Australian top and lower orders.
WTC Final 2025: South Africa Dominates Day 1 with Rabada’s Fiery Spell
Australia faced significant challenges from the outset. Usman Khawaja was dismissed without scoring, followed by Cameron Green for 4 runs and Marnus Labuschagne for 17. As wickets continued to fall, Steven Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) provided some stability with a 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, once they were dismissed, the lower order collapsed quickly. Australia was all out for 212 runs in just 56.4 overs.
Kagiso Rabada’s pace and accuracy were the highlights of the day. He took the wickets of prominent players, including Khawaja, Green, Webster, Cummins, and Starc. Marco Jansen also made an impact, bowling economically and claiming 3 important wickets for 49 runs in 14 overs. Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram each contributed one wicket as well.
South Africa Eye Strong First-Innings Lead
With Australia bowled out cheaply, South Africa has a golden chance to take a crucial first-innings lead. Their batsmen will now need to apply themselves on a pitch that offered bounce and movement on Day 1. On the other hand, Australia will rely on Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon to strike back and bring them into the game.
Day 2 promises a crucial battle between South African batters and Australian bowlers.
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