Lord's, London, June 11, 2025 – Josh Hazlewood provided a moment of sparkle at 20.2 overs, sending back Tristan Stubbs for 2 and deepening South Africa’s woes in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025. Having South Africa's bowlers, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada's 5/51, dismiss Australia for 212, their batting faltered against a fiery Australian pace attack. Hazlewood's jaffa—a 136 kmph good-length ball outside off that curved back sharply—snuck through Stubbs' defense, breaking his stumps as the batter played from the crease and couldn't recover to the inward movement. 

South Africa's innings started on a wobbly note, with Mitchell Starc getting rid of Aiden Markram for a duck in the first over and Ryan Rickelton for 16, caught at slip. Pat Cummins joined the attack, sending Wiaan Mulder back for 6, leaving the Proteas 25/3 prior to Hazlewood's delivery. Stubbs, who was supposed to steady the middle order, scored only 2 from 13 balls, going to Hazlewood's unrelenting accuracy. The Australian pacers took advantage of the seaming Lord's surface, with South Africa's batting group finding it difficult to support their bowlers' initial superiority.

Hazlewood's triumph mirrored Australia's resurgence, and they felt a chance to seize control. South Africa, on 30/4, looked up to captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham to arrest the collapse. Australia's bowlers, having given away only 43 runs from 22 overs, demonstrated their champion pedigree, subjecting the Proteas to extreme pressure on a track producing consistent movement.

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Aesthetic... done and dusted. Josh Hazlewood joins party took Stubus wicket.

Australia's bowling attack is unreal. pic.twitter.com/Um5U0Ly8t3

— Ammarꨄ (@itxamustafa4) June 11, 2025

Also Read: SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025 Day 1 Recap – Key performances and major highlights

Australia Tighten Grip

David Bedingham pushed back at the end of the day with successive boundaries off Cummins, remaining unbeaten on 8, with Bavuma still on 3. South Africa's collapse at the top, however, left them exposed to the Australian pacers on a thrilling Day 1.

The Proteas are in need of a steely partnership on Day 2 to undo Australia's bowling prowess. With the pitch still favoring the seamers, South Africa has an uphill task to bridge the 169-run gap.

Current Score: South Africa 43/4 (22 overs)—David Bedingham 8*, Temba Bavuma 3*; Josh Hazlewood 1/10, Mitchell Starc 2/10.