South Africa will play at the historic ground of Lord’s on the 4th day to win WTC Final get rid of the chokers tag that has been attached to them for the past 3 decades.
South Africa vs Australia WTC Final 2025, held at Lord’s from June 11-15, saw South Africa face defending champions Australia in a gripping contest. South Africa, making their first WTC final appearance, elected to field, with Kagiso Rabada’s 5/51 restricting Australia to 212.
However, South Africa struggled, bowled out for 138, with Pat Cummins claiming 6/28. Australia’s second innings reached 207, setting a target of 282. By Day 3’s end, South Africa were 213/2, needing just 69 runs, led by Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 102 and Temba Bavuma’s 65, despite his hamstring injury.
The pitch eased for batting, favoring South Africa, who stood on the brink of a historic victory, while Australia needed early wickets on Day 4 to stay alive.
Key Players in Australia vs South Africa WTC Final 2025
Australia:
● Pat Cummins (Captain, Fast Bowler): Leading with 6/28 in South Africa’s first innings, Cummins was pivotal in dismantling their batting. His pace and accuracy on a lively Lord’s pitch put Australia in control early. He also contributed vital lower-order runs in Australia’s first innings.
● Mitchell Starc (Fast Bowler): Starc’s ability to swing the ball complemented Cummins, taking key wickets in South Africa’s first innings. His role in the second innings was crucial, aiming to break South Africa’s solid batting on Day 3.
● Steve Smith (Batsman): Scoring a gritty 68 in Australia’s first innings, Smith anchored the batting on a tough pitch. His second-innings contribution of 45 helped set a competitive target of 282.
South Africa:
● Kagiso Rabada (Fast Bowler): Rabada’s fiery 5/51 in Australia’s first innings, including the scalps of David Warner and Usman Khawaja, gave South Africa an early edge. His ability to exploit seam movement was critical.
● Aiden Markram (Batsman): Markram’s unbeaten 102 in the chase of 282 was a masterclass in composure, guiding South Africa to 213/2 by Day 3’s end. His aggressive yet calculated approach tilted the game in South Africa’s favor.
● Temba Bavuma (Captain, Batsman): Despite a hamstring injury, Bavuma’s unbeaten 65 in the second innings, alongside Markram, kept South Africa on course. His leadership and resilience under pressure were standout features.
These players shaped the match’s narrative, with Cummins and Rabada dominating with the ball, and Markram and Bavuma steering South Africa’s chase, while Smith and Starc provided Australia with hope in a tense final.