Australia vs South Africa | ICC World Test Championship Final 2025
🏏 Australia’s 1st Innings – Grit Amidst Fire
Winning the toss and opting to bat first under overcast London skies, Australia faced a formidable challenge from the get-go. The South African pace battery, led by the relentless Kagiso Rabada, tore through Australia’s top order with pace, precision, and aggression.
🇦🇺 Key Highlights from Australia’s Innings:
- Total: All out for 212 runs
- Top Scorer: Steven Smith stood tall amidst the chaos, anchoring the innings with a fighting 66
- Breakthrough Performance: Beau Webster, playing in his maiden WTC Final, impressed with a mature 72 that helped Australia recover from early jolts
- South Africa’s Star: Kagiso Rabada delivered a masterclass in fast bowling, claiming a brilliant 5-wicket haul to keep Australia under pressure
Despite the early collapse, Australia’s middle order showed resilience, taking their total past 200 and ensuring a competitive score on a challenging surface.
🌩️ South Africa’s Response – Early Setbacks
As South Africa took the field to bat late on Day 1, the Australian pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins wasted no time in making their presence felt.
🇿🇦 South Africa at Stumps:
- Score: 43/4, trailing by 169 runs
- Key Dismissals: The top order crumbled under pressure, with early wickets falling to Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins
- Survivors at Stumps: David Bedingham and Temba Bavuma held the innings together, fending off a fierce pace assault under fading light
🔥 Key Moments of Day 1:
- Rabada’s Rampage: A fiery spell that saw him dismantle Australia’s top and lower order
- Webster’s Breakthrough: Calm under pressure, Webster’s 72 was vital in pushing Australia to a respectable total
- Pace vs Technique: South Africa’s top order struggled with movement and bounce, showcasing Australia’s mastery with the new ball
⚔️ What to Expect on Day 2?
Day 2 promises to be crucial for both sides. Can South Africa’s middle order stabilize and narrow the deficit? Or will Australia’s pace trio continue to dominate and stretch the lead? One thing is certain — the battle for the WTC Mace is heating up!
