Islamabad, June 12, 2025: In Aus vs SA, Kagiso Rabada earned a place on the prestigious Lord’s Honours Board for the second time, leading South Africa’s bowling attack with a fiery spell before Australia’s formidable pace trio turned the tide and ripped through South Africa’s top order to take control of the World Test Championship final.
The contest saw 14 wickets tumble on Day 1 as bowlers dictated terms at the iconic venue. South Africa stumbled to 4-43 by stumps, trailing by 169 runs. Temba Bavuma (3) and David Bedingham (8) were left to steady a sinking ship.
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Earlier in the day, Bavuma’s decision to bowl first under overcast skies paid off initially, with Australia collapsing to 67-4. Rabada’s fiery spell earned him figures of 5-51, dismissing Khawaja and debutant No. 3 Cameron Green in quick succession. Despite the top-order collapse, Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) rescued the innings with a gritty 79-run stand.
Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) provided some resistance, combining for a 79-run stand that revived the innings. Rabada’s early burst had removed Khawaja for a duck and Cameron Green soon after, while Jansen, with timely strikes, supported Rabada by dismissing Labuschagne and Head before lunch.
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Australia briefly fought back in brighter afternoon conditions, but Smith fell to a juggling catch by Jansen, and Carey’s ill-judged reverse sweep led to another collapse — this time 5 wickets for 20 runs.
Starc struck early in South Africa’s reply, removing Markram for zero and Rickelton soon after. Cummins and Hazlewood added to the damage, leaving South Africa in deep trouble.
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Australia now eye a second consecutive WTC title, while South Africa aim to end their 27-year wait for a global trophy. The action resumes Thursday evening.
South Africa Playing XI for WTC final 2025: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.
Australia Playing XI for WTC final 2025: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wK), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
