World Test Championship Final 2025 Aus v/s SA 1st day, Australia all out for 212 runs, the last hour proved to be a losing one for South Africa.
On the first day of the 2025 World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s, London, 78.4 overs were bowled, with 14 wickets falling. South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl, a decision that paid off early as they dominated the first session, reducing Australia to 29/2 at drinks and taking four wickets by lunch.
Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/51), while Marco Jansen took 3/49, and Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj chipped in with a wicket each. Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) steadied Australia with a 79-run partnership, helping them recover to 190/5 at tea.
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However, Australia collapsed late, losing their last five wickets for 22 runs to be bowled out for 212.
South Africa’s batting struggled in response, reaching 43/4 by stumps, trailing by 169 runs with a run rate of 1.95. Mitchell Starc struck twice early, dismissing Aiden Markram (0) and Ryan Rickelton (16), while Pat Cummins (1/14) and Josh Hazlewood removed Wiaan Mulder (6 off 44) and Tristan Stubbs (2), respectively.
Temba Bavuma (3*) and David Bedingham (8*) were unbeaten at the close, with Bedingham hitting back-to-back boundaries off Cummins in the final over.
Australia’s pace attack exploited the conditions, putting them in a strong position, though South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Rabada, had earlier kept them in the contest. The day showcased intense cricket, with Australia slightly ahead.