WTC Final 2025: Day one ends, South Africa still trails Australia by 169 runs

WTC Final 2025: South Africa Trail by 169 Runs After Bowling Out Australia for 212

The World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa kicked off on Wednesday, June 11, at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Day one saw exciting action, with both teams battling hard in swinging English conditions. At the close of play, South Africa stood at 43/4 in 22 overs, still trailing Australia’s first innings total by 169 runs.

Australia, who were put in to bat first after losing the toss, could not make the most of their time at the crease and were bundled out for 212 runs in 56.4 overs. South Africa’s bowlers, especially Kagiso Rabada, made full use of the overcast conditions and the help from the pitch to trouble the Australian batters right from the start. Rabada led the way with an excellent five-wicket haul, dismantling the top and middle order with precision. He got support from Marco Jansen, who took three wickets, while Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram chipped in with one wicket each.

Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing their first two wickets in the seventh over itself. Kagiso Rabada struck twice in the same over, removing opener Usman Khawaja for a duck and Cameron Green for just 4 runs. This double blow pushed Australia on the back foot early in the day. However, Steve Smith and Beau Webster brought some stability to the innings. Both batters showed grit and played sensible cricket under pressure. Smith scored a solid 66, while Webster was the top scorer with 72 runs. Their partnership helped Australia cross the 200-run mark.

Despite good starts from some other batters, the team could not build big partnerships. Marnus Labuschagne, who looked good initially, fell for 17. Travis Head, known for his aggressive batting, managed just 11, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey added 23 valuable runs. The lower order crumbled quickly, and Australia were all out with more than 30 overs left in the day’s play.

South Africa came out to bat in the final session, hoping to take control of the game, but Australia’s fast bowlers struck early to keep things balanced. Mitchell Starc bowled with pace and accuracy, claiming two wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins took one wicket each. South Africa’s top order struggled just like their opponents earlier in the day. Aiden Markram was dismissed for a duck, while Ryan Rickelton made 16 before falling. Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs also failed to settle at the crease, scoring just 6 and 2 runs respectively.

By stumps, South African skipper Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on 3, with David Bedingham at the other end on 8. With four wickets already down, South Africa will need a solid effort from their middle and lower order on Day 2 if they want to take a first-innings lead. Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to tighten their grip and make quick inroads early in the morning.

In summary, Day 1 of the WTC Final 2025 has set the stage for an exciting contest. Both teams have shown strengths and weaknesses, and with South Africa still 169 runs behind, the second day promises to be crucial in deciding which team takes the upper hand in this high-stakes clash.