WTC Final 2025, SA vs AUS: It was an exciting day two of the much-anticipated WTC Final 2025, Australia versus South Africa. After a rollercoaster of a day with 14 wickets falling on the second day alone, and a total of 28 wickets falling in six sessions, the bowlers were taking charge on a challenging pitch at Lord’s.
Pat Cummins 6 Wicket Haul and 300th Test Wicket
Australia skipper Pat Cummins produced a magical spell to cement his name in the Lord’s record books. He became the first overseas captain to take a five-wicket haul at the Lord’s and completed the landmark 300 Test wickets tally. Cummins’ end figures 6 for 28 off 18.1 overs, with six maidens, were instrumental in providing Australia with a crucial 74-run first-innings advantage.
Temba Bavuma’s Fightback Lapses As South African Collapse Continues
South Africa, leaving on 43 for 4, resisted with some effort in the form of Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham, who came together in a vital 64-run partnership. Bavuma played with elegance, hitting authoritative shots, one of which was a six off Cummins. But his fall to a breathtaking Labuschagne catch took Australia back in command.
After Bavuma’s departure, SA lost 5 wickets for 12 runs in 35 deliveries and slipped to 126 for 7. Bedingham, Verreynne, Jansen, and Rabada departed in rapid succession as Cummins ravaged the middle and lower order.
Controversy and Collision: Drama Unfolds
Day two was not without controversy. Bedingham defied an obstructing the field appeal following a strange ball-flap moment, and Verreynne ran into Cummins during a messy lbw review situation, which almost resulted in a run-out. The drama did not end as SA collapsed for 138, giving Australia a potentially match-altering advantage.
Australian Top-Order Continues to Fail Again as Rabada and Ngidi Fight Back
Although they had a good beginning to their second innings, the top-order troubles of Australia persisted. Khawaja, Labuschagne, and Green were once again cheaply dismissed, with all of them contributing a total of just 49 runs in the match, their worst aggregate since 1890.
Kagiso Rabada repeated his first-innings heroics by claiming two wickets in an over, and Lungi Ngidi roared back with a deadly spell that included a scorching yorker to dismiss Cummins.
Carey and Starc Rescue Act Provides Australia with a Key Lead
When South Africa appeared to be fighting back, Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc put together a vital 61-run eighth-wicket stand at 4.31 runs an over. Carey’s counterattack also muzzled SA’s momentum before Rabada came back and trapped him lbw.
Overlooked Opportunities Cost South Africa Towards the Evening
South Africa’s discipline broke down with 19 no-balls over the two innings and a gully chance missed by Jansen in the last over, which provided a life for Starc. Australia closed out day two at 218 runs up with two wickets in hand, nicely in control.
Day 3 Preview: Is South Africa Capable of Running Down History at Lord’s?
With the third-innings wickets remaining to pick and with a target that would be the fourth-highest successful chase at Lord’s, South Africa are facing a herculean task. With Australia’s Kane-less relentless bowling attack spearheaded by Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, Australia are favourites to win the World Test Championship title.
Key Highlights – WTC Final 2025: SA vs AUS Day 2
Pat Cummins: 6/28 and 300th Test wicket
South Africa collapse: 5/12 from 35 balls
Rabada: 4 wickets overall, but responsible for 6 no-balls
Carey-Starc stand: 61-run lifeline partnership
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Australia ahead by 218 runs with 2 wickets in hand
