Lord’s, London, June 11, 2025-the World Test Championship Final 2025 erupted into life as South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada produced a blazing double-strike in the seventh over, dismissing Australia’s Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green. Opting to bowl on grey skies, South Africa relied on their pace spearhead, and Rabada did not disappoint. Rabada bowled Usman Khawaja for a 20-ball duck; he edged a length ball that had straightened slightly to David Bedingham in the slips and, four balls later, dismissed Cameron Green for 4; Green nicked an away-shaping delivery to Aiden Markram, leaving Australia on 12/2 in the WTC Final 2025.

Rabada's blistering spell stirred up the Lord's crowd and created a dominating tone for South Africa. The 30-year-old, returning from a doping-related ban, proved his expertise in English conditions, where he has 15 wickets in three Tests at 19.38. His initial successes against a powerful Australian team, who claimed the WTC in 2023, reinforced his big-match player profile and South Africa's aspirations to break a 27-year ICC trophy dry spell.

South Africa's decision to bowl first proved to be a tactical risk that paid off. They came into the match with a pace attack led by Rabada and featuring Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen. Australia was rattled early; now Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith will be trying to rebuild the innings, with Labuschagne and Smith at the crease. Given the early seam movement on offer, there is no reason why the match shouldn't offer a fascinating five days' play.

Australia’s Fightback

As time goes on, Australia are 29/2 after 3 overs, with Labuschagne and Smith batting, trying to stop the slide. Rabada’s relentless pressure, backed by Ngidi’s pace, keeps South Africa in control, but we know from Australia's batting depth they are capable of scoring plenty of runs.

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KAGISO RABADA GETTING BOTH KHAWAJA AND GREEN IN AN OVER. pic.twitter.com/tGGGfwYVWV

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 11, 2025

Also Read: SA vs AUS, WTC 2025 Final: Toss result and playing 11s, umpires list and pitch report

The game is in the balance, as South Africa hopes to make the most of their initial control and Australia tries to strike back. With clear skies predicted, the WTC Final is in line for a heart-stopping conclusion, as both sides battle for the coveted mace.

Current Score: Australia 29/2 (13 overs)—Marnus Labuschagne 17*, Steve Smith 5*; Kagiso Rabada 2/9.