The World Test Championship final 2025 kicked off at Lord’s on June 11, 2025. Australia faced South Africa in a thrilling battle of pace and skill. Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl first under cloudy skies. Australia’s batting lineup struggled, scoring 212, with Beau Webster shining at 72. Kagiso Rabada’s fiery 5-51 rattled the Aussies, as per ESPN Cricinfo. South Africa’s reply was shaky, ending at 43/4, with Mitchell Starc striking early.

Both teams’ pace attacks dominated, with 14 wickets falling, according to BBC Sport. This match showcased intense cricket, with every ball carrying drama. Fans eagerly await Day 2 to see if South Africa can recover or if Australia’s bowlers tighten their grip, after they missed out on CT 2025.

Australia vs South Africa, Final at London, WTC, Jun 11 2025 – Full Scorecard

Match Analysis: Key Moments of Day 1

Rabada’s Five-Wicket Haul Crushes Australia

Kagiso Rabada was the star for South Africa, taking 5-51. His pace and swing dismantled Australia’s batting at 212. He dismissed key players like Usman Khawaja and Pat Cummins, reports Cricbuzz. Rabada’s spell included a stunning over, removing two wickets in four balls. He surpassed Allan Donald’s 330 Test wickets, says Wikipedia.

His wobble-seam delivery ended Beau Webster’s gritty 72. South Africa’s decision to bowl first paid off, thanks to Rabada’s fire. He exploited the Lord’s wicket conditions perfectly, as per Aajtak Sports. Australia’s collapse from 192/5 was a turning point.

Stats: Rabada’s 5-51 is his second five-wicket haul at Lord’s.

Beau Webster’s Fighting Fifty Steadies Australia

Beau Webster’s 72 was a lifeline for Australia’s shaky batting. He faced 69 balls, hitting nine fours, says ESPN Cricinfo. His gritty knock came despite two close lbw calls early on. Webster survived South Africa’s pace attack, led by Marco Jansen. He partnered with Steven Smith to push Australia past 150.

His fierce pull shots frustrated Rabada, notes BBC Sports. A loose waft ended his innings, caught by David Bedingham. Webster’s effort gave Australia a defendable total. South Africa rued missed reviews, according to Cricbuzz.

Stats: Webster’s 72 is his highest Test score.

South Africa’s Top Order Crumbles Early

South Africa’s batting faltered, ending Day 1 at 43/4. Aiden Markram fell for a duck to Mitchell Starc’s inswinger. Ryan Rickelton’s 14 couldn’t stop the slide, says Aajtak Sports. Wiaan Mulder scored six off 44 balls, struggling at No. 3. Josh Hazlewood’s stunning delivery castled Tristan Stubbs late.

Australia’s pacers exploited the conditions, reports ESPN Cricinfo. Temba Bavuma, not out on 2, faces a tough task on Day 2. South Africa trail by 169 runs. Their batting depth is under pressure, per BBC Sports.

Stats: South Africa’s 43/4 is their lowest score after 20 overs in a WTC final.

Starc’s First-Over Strike Sets Tone

Mitchell Starc struck in the first over, dismissing Aiden Markram. His inswinger crashed into Markram’s stumps for a duck. The Nursery End roared, says Cricbuzz. Starc’s tight left-arm line troubled South Africa’s openers. He nearly had Wiaan Mulder, but Alex Carey dropped a catch.

His 2-10 spell kept Australia in control, per ESPN Cricinfo. South Africa’s early loss put pressure on their middle order. Starc’s swing was unplayable under cloudy skies. Day 1’s tone was set, notes BBC Sports.

Stats: Starc has taken a wicket in the first over in three Tests this year.

Alex Carey’s Reverse Sweep Backfires

Alex Carey’s reverse sweep triggered Australia’s collapse at 192/5. Keshav Maharaj dismissed him for 23 with a looping delivery. The risky shot drew criticism, says Aajtak Sports. Carey’s wife famously dislikes his reverse sweep, per ESPN Cricinfo. His dismissal opened the floodgates for South Africa’s bowlers.

Australia lost five wickets for 20 runs post-tea. Maharaj’s 199th Test wicket shifted momentum, reports BBC Sport. Carey’s bold approach failed in Lord’s tricky conditions. South Africa capitalised on the error, notes Cricbuzz.

Stats: Carey has been dismissed six times playing the reverse sweep in Tests.

🏏 Day 1 Match Flow Summary

Steven Smith’s Crucial Fifty at Lord’s

Steven Smith scored a vital 66, steadying Australia at 146/4. His 76-ball knock included nine fours, says Wikipedia. He became the Lord’s highest overseas run-scorer, per ESPN Cricinfo. Smith’s back-and-across movement countered Rabada’s pace. He slashed boundaries to keep Australia moving forward.

Aiden Markram’s unexpected offspin ended his stay, reports BBC Sport. South Africa’s failure to review an lbw call cost them. Smith’s knock was a masterclass, says Cricbuzz. His experience tilted the innings in Australia’s favour.

Stats: Smith’s 66 took him past Warren Bardsley’s Lord’s run tally.

South Africa’s Batting Order Misstep

South Africa’s decision to place Wiaan Mulder at No. 3 backfired. Mulder scored six off 44 balls, slowing momentum. His defensive approach hurt South Africa, says Aajtak Sports. The experiment aimed to shield Temba Bavuma but failed. Mulder struggled against Pat Cummins’ swing, per ESPN Cricinfo.

Tristan Stubbs’ late dismissal compounded the issue. South Africa’s top-order shuffle may need rethinking, notes BBC Sport. Their batting lacks aggression in tough conditions. Day 2 will test their strategy, says Cricbuzz.

Stats: Mulder’s 44-ball six is his slowest Test innings.

Lord’s Pitch Favours Pace Bowlers

The Lord’s pitch offered seam movement, favouring pace bowlers. Fourteen wickets fell, with Rabada and Starc shining, says Wikipedia. Overcast conditions aided swing, per ESPN Cricinfo. South Africa’s decision to bowl first was spot-on, notes BBC Sport. Australia’s quicks also exploited the pitch late.

Both teams’ seamers dominated, says Cricbuzz. Day 2 may see spinners like Nathan Lyon play a role. The pitch’s bounce will challenge batsmen. This final could be a low-scoring thriller, per Aajtak Sports.

Stats: The pitch saw 14 wickets, the most on Day 1 of a WTC final.

Australia’s Lower Order Fragility Exposed

Australia’s collapse from 192/5 exposed their lower-order weakness. Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc fell quickly to Rabada. The tail added just 20 runs, says ESPN Cricinfo. Pat Cummins’ early dismissal for 1 hurt Australia’s total. South Africa’s pace attack targeted the tail effectively.

Keshav Maharaj’s spin also chipped in, per BBC Sports. Australia’s batting depth could be a concern, notes Cricbuzz. Their quicks must now defend 212. Day 2 will reveal if this impacts their strategy, says Aajtak Sports.

Stats: Australia’s last five wickets fell in 7.1 overs.

Final Word For Day 1

Day 1 of the 2025 World Test Championship final was a bowler’s paradise at Lord’s. Australia’s 212, led by Beau Webster’s 72 and Steven Smith’s 66, set a modest target, as per ESPN Cricinfo. Kagiso Rabada’s 5-51 was the standout, collapsing Australia’s innings, says BBC Sport. South Africa’s reply was disastrous, slumping to 43/4, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood striking hard. The match hangs in the balance, with South Africa trailing by 169 runs, per Cricbuzz.

Temba Bavuma’s grit will be crucial on Day 2, as Aajtak Sports notes. Australia’s pace attack looks lethal, but their batting depth is a worry. This low-scoring thriller could swing either way, with both teams’ bowlers dominating. Fans are in for a gripping contest, according to Wikipedia.

Day 2 – Story So far

In a day soaked with drama, adrenaline, and vintage Test cricket grit, Australia finished Day 2 of the WTC Final at Lord’s with a 218-run lead and two wickets still in hand. The pace trio of Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi turned the match into a see-saw thriller. Cummins picked up 6 for 28 — bringing up his 300th Test scalp, while Ngidi responded with a fiery 3-for to bring South Africa back into the game. However, Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc’s late 61-run stand snatched the momentum right back for Australia. With 14 wickets falling for the second day running, the final is racing toward a result, but it’s advantage Australia, just.

🧨 Cummins Dominates Morning, Bags 300th Test Wicket

Australia began Day 2 with intent and aggression. South Africa, resuming at 43/4, were immediately under pressure. But Temba Bavuma counterattacked with flair, lofting Starc and pulling Cummins into the stands. Partnering with David Bedingham, he stitched a gritty 64-run stand. However, just when South Africa began to settle, Marnus Labuschagne produced a blinder at cover to dismiss Bavuma for 36.

That opened the gates.

Cummins cleaned up the tail in clinical fashion — dismissing Bedingham, Rabada, and Jansen — to end with 6 for 28, reaching 300 career wickets, becoming the first visiting captain to take a five-for at Lord’s. South Africa collapsed for 138, conceding a 74-run lead.

🦁 South Africa Fight Back – Rabada and Ngidi Strike in Tandem

Australia’s second innings began shakily. Rabada, despite bowling five no-balls, struck twice in an over, removing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green just like Day 1. Jansen kept the pressure on with a tireless spell. But the big comeback came from Lungi Ngidi.

After a quiet start, Ngidi unleashed a vicious spell post-tea. His delivery to bowl Pat Cummins — a searing yorker — was the ball of the day. In the same burst, he dismissed Steven Smith and Beau Webster, ending with 3 for 35 in 9 overs. At one stage, Australia were 73/7 and South Africa were dreaming.

🔁 Carey-Starc Partnership Turns Tide Again

Just when South Africa sensed control, Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc counterattacked. Their 61-run eighth wicket stand came at 4.3 runs per over, and sucked the life out of South Africa’s charge. Rabada finally trapped Carey lbw, but not before the damage was done. Starc was dropped in the final over by Jansen at gully, a costly miss that could haunt South Africa.

By stumps, Australia had reached 144/8, leading by 218 runs, with two wickets still in hand and the mace glistening closer.

📊 Key Moments – Day 2

📉 South Africa’s Task Ahead – A Mountain to Climb

To win this Test, South Africa must chase what would be the fourth-highest total in Lord’s history. With Australia’s bowlers — Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood — all in rhythm, even chasing 150 won’t be easy, let alone a 200+ target. They must hope for early wickets on Day 3 and then an inspired batting performance.

Final Word For Day 2

If Day 1 was chaos, Day 2 was carnage — 28 wickets in just 6 sessions tells its own tale. But despite multiple momentum swings, Australia’s depth and discipline gave them the edge. With just two wickets remaining and a lead of over 200, Pat Cummins’ men remain in pole position for the WTC crown. But with one good session, South Africa could still script history.

Day 3 Analysis: South Africa vs. Australia, World Test Championship Final

As Day 3 concluded at Lord’s, South Africa stood on the cusp of a historic victory in the World Test Championship final, requiring just 69 runs with eight wickets in hand. The day was defined by a mix of resilience, strategy, and the ever-present shadow of South Africa’s cricketing history.

Bavuma’s Injury and the Big Call

The defining moment of the day came early in Temba Bavuma’s innings when he suffered a hamstring injury, halting play for lengthy treatment. At 6 runs, two overs before tea, the South African camp faced a critical decision: should their captain retire hurt or continue? After discussions with batting coach Ashwell Prince and partner Aiden Markram, Bavuma opted to stay. This “big call” paid dividends as the pair built an unbroken 143-run partnership by stumps. Bavuma, despite limited mobility, finished unbeaten on 65, while Markram’s masterful century anchored the chase. Prince later praised Bavuma’s toughness, noting, “Temba is tough,” and highlighted the team’s unity as a driving force behind the decision.

The Partnership That Shifted the Game

The Bavuma-Markram stand was the cornerstone of South Africa’s dominance. Markram curbed his usual intensity to accommodate Bavuma’s injury, ensuring the partnership remained intact rather than risking a reset with a new batsman like Tristan Stubbs. Australia’s bowlers, including Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, failed to fully exploit Bavuma’s restricted movement, raising questions about their tactics. By close, South Africa’s position at 143 for 2 had tilted the match firmly in their favor, with the finish line tantalizingly close.

The Weight of History

South Africa’s pursuit of 69 runs is shadowed by their historical struggles in high-stakes matches. Labeled “chokers” since their 1992 World Cup exit, the team has repeatedly faltered when victory seemed assured, most recently in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.

Their first-innings collapse of 5 for 12 earlier in this match only amplifies the tension. Yet, head coach Shukri Conrad’s calm, process-driven approach has steadied the side. Prince echoed this, emphasizing the mantra of staying “in the moment” and playing “one ball at a time,” a mindset that has so far kept fatalism at bay.

Australia’s Response

Australia, the defending champions, remain a formidable force despite the uphill battle. Assistant coach Daniel Vettori outlined their strategy: focus on one wicket to spark a collapse. With a bowling lineup featuring Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Starc, and Nathan Lyon, they have the tools to challenge South Africa’s resolve. However, the Lord’s pitch, which eased on Day 3, may limit their potency, as evidenced by the 58-run last-wicket stand between Starc and Hazlewood that frustrated South Africa earlier in the day.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience Under Pressure: Bavuma’s determination and Markram’s adaptability have positioned South Africa within touching distance of the title.

• Mental Shift: Conrad’s unflustered leadership has fostered a unity and focus that could finally bury the “chokers” tag.

• Australia’s Fight: The Aussies’ knack for comebacks means South Africa must stay vigilant to avoid a repeat of past collapses.

Looking Ahead to the Fourth Day

Day 4 promises a gripping finale. For South Africa, it’s a chance to exorcise decades of demons and claim their greatest prize in Test cricket. For Australia, it’s an opportunity to reinforce their legacy as masters of the clutch. With Bavuma’s condition uncertain after a night’s rest, all eyes will be on the Lord’s as this epic contest reaches its climax.

Day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord’s, played on June 14, 2025, was a historic and thrilling conclusion to a gripping contest between South Africa and Australia. South Africa, chasing 282 runs to win their first WTC title and end a 27-year ICC trophy drought, started the day at 213/2, needing 69 runs with eight wickets in hand.

Led by Aiden Markram’s monumental 136 and supported by key contributions despite early setbacks, the Proteas clinched a five-wicket victory, rewriting their cricketing narrative and shedding the “chokers” label. Below is a detailed analysis of the day’s events, key moments, performances, and strategic insights, based on the provided live report and web sources.

Key Moments of Day 4 – Early Blow: Bavuma’s Dismissal (213/2 to 224/3)

South Africa began cautiously, with Aiden Markram (102*) and captain Temba Bavuma (65*) resuming their 143-run partnership. However, Pat Cummins struck in the sixth over, drawing first blood with a tight line outside off stump. Bavuma, battling a hamstring injury, edged a ball with extra bounce to Alex Carey for 66, ending his gritty knock.

This wicket, with 65 runs still needed, injected tension into the South African camp, as noted by journalist Firdose Moonda’s nervous commentary: “We’ve been here before”. The loss of their captain, a symbol of resilience, tested South Africa’s resolve early.

Markram and Stubbs Steady the Ship (224/3 to 238/3)

Tristan Stubbs joined Markram, and the pair adopted an attritional approach, echoing Ashwell Prince’s advice to “play one ball at a time”. Markram, authoritative against Cummins, pulled a boundary to assert dominance, while Stubbs focused on survival. Australia’s anxieties surfaced when Cummins wasted a review on an optimistic lbw appeal against Markram, missing leg stump. Nathan Lyon’s introduction from the Pavilion End brought big turn, hinting at potential trouble, but South Africa chipped away 11 runs in the first 45 minutes, reaching 238/3 with 44 runs needed.

Starc’s Magic Ball Removes Stubbs (238/3 to 240/4)

Mitchell Starc, held back initially, delivered a moment of brilliance from around the wicket. His perfect seam-up delivery angled in, hit the seam, and zipped through Stubbs’ gate to clip the top of leg stump for 7. This wicket, with 41 runs still required, intensified the pressure, reminiscent of South Africa’s historical big-stage struggles. Australia burned another review on a speculative leg-side strangle the ball prior, highlighting their desperation. David Bedingham’s arrival shifted the focus to Markram, who remained the linchpin.

Markram’s March and Australia’s Wasted Reviews (240/4 to 250/4)

Markram continued his masterclass, driving South Africa past 250 with a boundary off Starc, met with raucous cheers from the South African contingent. Bedingham, settling in, rifled a straight drive off Cummins, reducing the target below 20. Australia’s fielding grew frantic, with Travis Head failing to hold a low chance off Bedingham’s hip against Lyon. Critically, Australia squandered their final review on an ambitious lbw appeal against Bedingham, which was clearly outside off. This echoed their costly review errors in the 2019 Ashes at Headingley, underscoring their mounting pressure. With 32 runs needed and half an hour to lunch, South Africa seemed poised to bat on.

New Ball and Markram’s Exit (250/4 to 275/5)

Josh Hazlewood took the second new ball, but his over-pitched deliveries were dispatched by Markram for a four and a three, reducing the target to seven. Markram’s dominance was undeniable, but in a moment of cruel irony, he fell for 136, whipping a ball off his pads straight to Travis Head at midwicket. The dismissal, described as unfolding in “slow-motion,” stunned Lord’s, with Australia’s muted reaction reflecting their broken spirit. Markram’s walk-off to a standing ovation was a fitting tribute to an innings that “broke Australia,” as noted by Stuart Hess. With six runs needed, Kyle Verreynne and Bedingham took the stage.

Verreynne Seals Historic Victory (275/5 to 282/5)

Starc’s final over tested Verreynne, who survived an attempted ramp that could have been out with a review, which Australia had exhausted. After a cramped defensive shot, Verreynne laced a square drive through the covers to score the winning run, sparking jubilation at 12:45 pm local time. South Africa finished at 282/5, winning by five wickets. Verreynne (4*) and Bedingham (21*) embraced, and Australia’s magnanimous handshakes acknowledged a well-fought contest. The victory marked South Africa’s first WTC title and their second ICC trophy since 1998, ending decades of heartbreak.

Key Performances

1. Aiden Markram (136 off 207 balls, 14 fours):

Markram’s “epic 136” was the cornerstone of South Africa’s victory, hailed as “the country’s most important in Tests”. Recovering from a first-innings duck, he displayed remarkable composure, forging a 147-run stand with Bavuma and guiding the chase under immense pressure.

His third fourth-innings century placed him alongside legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Graeme Smith. Markram’s all-round contribution—taking Steve Smith’s wicket in the first innings and Australia’s final wicket—earned him the Player of the Match award. His innings was a cathartic response to South Africa’s history of near-misses.

2. Temba Bavuma (66)

Despite a hamstring injury, Bavuma’s gritty 66 was pivotal in steadying the chase. His 147-run partnership with Markram was the match’s highest, showcasing leadership and resilience. His early dismissal on Day 4 heightened nerves, but his contribution laid the foundation for victory.

3. Mitchell Starc (3/66 in the second innings):

Starc was Australia’s standout bowler, producing a “moment of perfection” to dismiss Stubbs and challenging South Africa’s batters with pace and movement. His 58 in Australia’s second innings helped set a competitive target of 282. However, his efforts were in vain as Australia’s reviews were wasted, limiting their late challenge.

4. Pat Cummins (1/early wicket):

Cummins struck early by removing Bavuma, but his decision to burn reviews on unlikely appeals reflected Australia’s growing desperation. His leadership couldn’t prevent the collapse of their bowling strategy in the face of Markram’s brilliance.

5. Kyle Verreynne (4):

Verreynne’s composure in the final moments, driving the winning run, capped a nervy but triumphant chase. His post-match comments highlighted the team’s emotional investment: “I was so nervous when I came out to bat”.

Strategic Insights

1. South Africa’s Mental Shift:
   South Africa’s approach, instilled by coach Shukri Conrad, was to “take away the fear of failure”. Markram embodied this, staying “in the moment” as advised by Ashwell Prince. Unlike past collapses (e.g., T20 World Cup 2024), the Proteas showed resilience, with Markram and Bavuma’s partnership neutralizing Australia’s attack. This mental fortitude was key to overcoming their historical “chokers” tag.
2. Australia’s Review Woes:
   Australia’s tactical error in burning all three reviews early on Day 4—two for lbws and one for a speculative strangle—proved costly. This mirrored their 2019 Headingley loss, where poor review management hurt their chances. Without reviews, they couldn’t capitalize on close calls, such as Verreynne’s unramp attempt, which would have been out.
3. Pitch and Conditions:
   The Lord’s pitch, described as slow with seam assistance, favored bowlers early but eased for batting on Day 4 under sunny conditions. South Africa capitalized on this, with Markram exploiting over-pitched deliveries from the new ball. Australia’s bowlers, particularly Lyon, found turn, but their inability to break the Markram-Bavuma stand on Day 3 proved decisive.
4. New Ball Misstep:
   Hazlewood’s loose start with the new ball—conceding seven runs in two balls—undermined Australia’s late push. Markram’s aggressive response highlighted South Africa’s intent to seize momentum, contrasting with Australia’s fading belief.

Statistical Highlights

• Markram’s Milestone: Markram’s 136 is the highest fourth-innings score by a South African in a successful chase, surpassing Graeme Smith’s 154* (2008). His three fourth-innings centuries place him third behind Gavaskar and Smith (four each).
• Successful Chase: South Africa’s 282 is the joint-second highest successful run-chase at Lord’s, matching England’s 282 vs. New Zealand (2004) and behind West Indies’ 342 (1984). It’s their sixth 250-plus chase in Tests, fourth against Australia.
• South Africa’s Lord’s Record: The victory marked South Africa’s sixth win in eight Tests at Lord’s since readmission, reinforcing their strong record at the venue.
• Australia’s Rare Loss: This was Australia’s third defeat in 24 Tests at Lord’s post-World War II, following Ashes losses in 2009 and 2013. It was their first ICC final loss in 15 years, since the 2010 T20 World Cup.

Emotional and Historical Context

South Africa’s victory was a “moment of sweet, sweet release,” erasing memories of past failures like Sydney 1992, Edgbaston 1999, and Bridgetown 2024. The win, celebrated by a vibrant South African crowd, marked their first WTC title and second ICC trophy since 1998. For a nation grappling with franchise cricket’s pull, the triumph was a “salve” for Test cricket’s future outside the “Big Three” (India, England, Australia). Markram’s innings, described as breaking Australia—a team renowned for their winning mentality—was a defining moment in South African cricket history.

Australia, despite their storied success, faced a “bruising experience.” Their 74-run first-innings lead and recovery from 73/7 in the second innings gave them hope, but Markram’s brilliance and their tactical errors (review management, new ball usage) led to a rare second-place finish. Pat Cummins acknowledged South Africa’s superiority: “They were far and away the better team this week”.

Conclusion

Day 4 of the WTC 2025 Final was a masterclass in Test cricket drama, culminating in South Africa’s historic five-wicket victory. Aiden Markram’s 136 was the heartbeat of the chase, supported by Temba Bavuma’s resilience and Kyle Verreynne’s finishing touch. South Africa’s mental shift, tactical discipline, and ability to seize key moments outshone Australia’s efforts, marred by review errors and a faltering bowling strategy.

The victory at Lord’s, achieved at 12:45 pm on June 14, 2025, was a cathartic triumph, ending decades of heartbreak and cementing South Africa’s place among Test cricket’s elite. For Australia, it was a rare defeat, but their fight underscored the intensity of this Ultimate Test.