WATCH: Marco Jansen amazing reflex catch sees end of Steve Smith's innings in SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025
Marco Jansen’s spectacular juggling catch at first slip off Aiden Markram’s bowling dismisses Steve Smith for 66.
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Lord's, London, June 11, 2025 – The World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 saw a game-changing moment at 41.6 overs when Marco Jansen’s spectacular reflex catch at first slip ended Steve Smith’s gritty 66. South Africa, opting to bowl under overcast conditions, pounced early through Kagiso Rabada, dismissing Usman Khawaja (0) and Cameron Green (4) in the seventh over, reducing Australia to 12/2. Jansen then dented Australia, getting rid of Marnus Labuschagne (17) and Travis Head (11) before lunch, with Kyle Verreynne's diving catch sending Head packing, leaving Australia at 67/4.
After lunch, Smith and Beau Webster formed a vital 79-run partnership, with Smith's 42nd Test fifty grounding Australia's innings. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma’s tactical genius shone through when he introduced part-timer Aiden Markram in the 42nd over. Markram tossed up a tempting ball outside off, inviting Smith to play an expansive cover drive. The above-the-eyeline delivery saw Smith get a thick outside edge, soaring to first slip from where Jansen clutched it tight after a double juggle on the third attempt, an act of brilliance that left Smith regretting a century gone astray.
Jansen's catch ended a perilous stand, restoring the balance in favor of South Africa. Australia, 146/5, relied on Webster's unscathed 55 to stage a comeback, but Rabada and Jansen-led South African pace attack kept the pressure relentless. The Lord's pitch supporting seamers promised an enthralling encounter.
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Also Read: [WATCH ] WTC Final 2025: Kagiso Rabada double wicket sets tone in SA vs AUS
South Africa's Grip Tightens
Following tea, South Africa struck once more, with Keshav Maharaj getting Alex Carey (23) through a mistimed reverse sweep, leaving Australia at 194/6. Rabada then got rid of Pat Cummins for 1, further denting Australia at 199/7. Webster, rock-steady at 55*, and Mitchell Starc were left with a formidable task. With Rabada (3/35) and Jansen (2/49) spearheading the attack, South Africa is in control of this electrifying WTC Final, with Australia struggling to remain in the hunt.
Current Score: Australia 199/7 (52.4 overs)—Beau Webster 55*, Mitchell Starc 0*; Kagiso Rabada 3/35, Marco Jansen 2/49.
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