The beautiful game of cricket has several intricacies, and fast bowling is one aspect that offers it sheer brilliance and sensation. Seeing a bowler at his mark, loading up with the ball as ammunition, striding ahead towards the crease, and delivering fast is an electrifying sight. Stepping up, setting the speed gun on fire, and hitting the top mark, visible as speed on the big screen, is an incredible moment in the game. As exciting as it can get, the chill of pace bowling is an immense source of adrenaline among the players and viewers. 

To master the skills of fast bowling, it takes a great amount of hard work, practice, rhythm, momentum, and innumerable accurate run-ups. To bowl the fastest ball in the match and for the history books is a beholding sight and requires immaculate strategies, strength, and consistency. To be counted as one of the fastest bowlers in the cricket world is a matter of humongous pride and an indication of pure greatness. 

Creating dread among the batters and overpowering them in the modern formats of the game is quite tough. Speed bowling is one tool, if employed and executed at its best, can bundle out the opposition in a jiffy. The protagonists of these are a rare species of players who possess the ball like venom and have set records for the same. Here is a look at the top ten fastest bowlers in the world who are currently in the game and actively plying their trade. 

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Mitchell Starc

The tall and lanky left-arm fast bowling sensation from Australia often takes the cricketing universe by storm because of his sensational pace. He is currently the fastest bowler in the world, having clocked an unimaginable speed of 99.7 miles per hour in a test match against New Zealand in 2015. His average speeds are in the high 140s kph, and his smooth action makes him look aesthetic while delivering balls. When he spearheads the bowling attack of any team, a fear is instilled among the batters, and this attribute has made him one of the highest wicket-takers for his nation, currently at 382 wickets in tests. His potent fitness while being a pacer is a testament to his focused approach towards meticulous practice, planning, and workload management. 

Haris Rauf

The skiddy bowler from Pakistan is a white ball specialist. He began his international career as a T20 player and soon got opportunities in the ODI circuit as well. He is tall, bangs the surface hard, and extracts extra bounce off the pitch. In a match against England in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup, Australia, he bowled at 99 miles per hour, sending rocket waves across the bowling fraternity. He is a regular player in his national side and has accumulated 206 wickets, so far, in limited-overs cricket. His average bowling speed nears 150 kmph on many occasions. 

Lockie Ferguson

The Kiwi bowler is a great customer of batters' wickets. His sheer pace, complemented by impeccable bounce, line, and length, makes it extremely tough to score against him. His rhythmic bowling action makes his task look effortless. He regularly plays in the IPL and is a great asset for any team. Once in the 2022 season, playing for the Gujarat Titans against the Rajasthan Royals, he produced a magical delivery worth 157.3 kmph and set the speed gun ablaze. For New Zealand, he has, so far, taken 163 wickets in white ball cricket.

Umran Malik

The speedster from Jammu and Kashmir was the talk of the town even before his debut in professional cricket. His raw pace, coupled with youthful energy, made him a fast bowling sensation. This put him in the category of a rare breed of pacers, an asset that could serve India and IPL cricket for years to come. In the 2022 IPL season, playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad against the Delhi Capitals, he bowled a superfast delivery, measured at 157 kmph in the speed metrics. It became the second fastest ball in that season and earned him a place in the National side. He, however, has been very unfortunate with injuries and has missed out on a lot of game time over the years, hoping to return very soon and produce similar goods for which he became popular. 

Mayank Yadav

Mayank Yadav rose in the ranks while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2024 season of IPL. His impressive performances from the time he got an opportunity made the cricket pundits and viewers talk about him quite a lot on social media. In a match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he clocked a top speed of 156.7 kmph and took everyone by surprise. Delivering that fast at a tender age and also scalping a few wickets made him a player to watch out for ahead. He, too, has lacked the rub of the green in his strides and has dealt with injuries very frequently. 

Mark Wood

The English quick is one of the fastest bowlers in the world and among only a few who possess the ability to turn the tide in his team's favour purely by fiery pace bowling. He sprints like an athlete and delivers fire. At times, his absence from the England team make their attack look bleak and without any venom. Of late, his improved fitness has made him play a lot more matches than he used to in the past, and that is good for the game itself. During the test tour of Pakistan in 2022, he bowled a ball at 156.6 kmph and became the fastest bowler in England's history. He has taken 255 wickets across formats for his nation yet. 

Anrich Nortje

The South African right-arm speedster has an average bowling speed of around 150 kmph. His bowling resonates with business, and so does his serious looks. Playing for the Delhi Capitals and bowling to Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler, he sent waves across the world by recording a gobsmacking speed of 156.22 kmph. The Protea pacer, however, has been less economical over the years and has gone for a few in his overs on numerous occasions. Injuries have pegged him back quite a lot. He currently bowls quick but needs to be smart enough in disguising the batters to sustain himself further in the game. 

Kagiso Rabada

Another bowler hailing from South Africa is an all-format player for the National side. Known for his consistency, Rabada has been a go-to bowler for whichever team he has played in, at all levels. He might lack express pace when compared to other bowlers in the list, but if coupled with the right line and lengths, it apparently seems quite threatening. In IPL 2019, he produced a delivery having a speed of 154.23 kmph. Kagiso has 327 test wickets to his name. 

Jofra Archer

The Caribbean-born pacer became eligible to play for England in 2019 and was fast-tracked into the National side just before the ODI World Cup scheduled in the same year. This news sent seismic waves across the cricket world, and Jofra Archer has been associated with sheer pace since his inception. His raw speed and unparalleled accuracy make it a nightmare for opposition batters, and time and again, he has displayed that. 2019 was a glorious year for him, and he made his name by performing impressively well in the World Cup and the Ashes. 

Mohammad Shami

The Indian pace bowler is known to have the best seam position of the ball. He makes the ball talk at his own will, seaming and swinging notoriously. Delivered at a great pace, it becomes extremely difficult for the batters to negotiate his overs and spells, especially in the longest format of the game. His action is flawless and equivalent to poetry in cricket. His skills affirm the fact that fast bowling is all about rhythm. For India, Shami has struck 462 times across the three formats. 

Day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's witnessed South Africa etch their name in history, chasing down 282 to win by 5 wickets and securing their first WTC title. Resuming at 213/2, needing 69 runs, South Africa faced a late scare as Australia’s bowlers struck thrice, but David Bedingham's calm 21* and Kyle Verreynne's unflappable 4* saw them through to victory in 83.4 overs. Mitchell Starc's incendiary 3/66 presented a challenge, but the resistance of South Africa, spearheaded by Aiden Markram's match-winning 136 before he was sent back to the pavilion, broke a long drought. The day, where three wickets were lost, topped a nail-biting Test match with South Africa deserving champions.

South Africa 2nd Innings: 282/5, Win by 5 Wickets

South Africa resumed at 213/2 (56 overs), needing 69 runs to win. The chase hit turbulence as Mitchell Starc (3/66 in 14.4 overs) dismissed Temba Bavuma (66 off 134, caught by Alex Carey) and Tristan Stubbs (8 off 43, bowled), reducing South Africa to 241/4. Josh Hazlewood (1/58 in 19 overs) removed Aiden Markram (136 off 207, 14 fours, caught Travis Head), ending his historic knock at 276/5, with 6 runs still needed. Pat Cummins (1/59 in 17 overs) had earlier dismissed Wiaan Mulder (27 off 50, caught by Marnus Labuschagne) on Day 3, while Ryan Rickelton (6 off 8, caught by Carey) also fell early. However, David Bedingham’s steady 21* off 49 (1 four) and Kyle Verreynne’s unbeaten 4* off 13 forged a crucial 6-run sixth-wicket stand, guiding South Africa to 282/5 in 83.4 overs. Markram’s century, his third in a fourth innings, placed him among Lord’s elites like Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge. Australia’s bowlers, including Nathan Lyon (0/66 in 26 overs), toiled on a flattening pitch, but South Africa’s resolve, as emphasized by coach Shukri Conrad, secured the historic win.

South Africa 2nd Innings – 282/5 (83.4 Overs)

See Also: Watch: Dream delivery from Mitchell Starc takes the wicket of Tristan Stubbs during WTC Final 2025

Key Moments: SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025

• Markram’s Match-Defining Ton: Aiden Markram’s 136* earned him Player of the Match as his fourth-innings century at Lord’s adds to his legacy next to the greats.
• Late Drama: Starc’s double strike taking Bavuma and Stubbs up until that point made a great contest out of it when South Africa were 241/4.
• South Africa’s Historic Triumph: South Africa became the fourth team to beat Australia in an ICC final after 20+ years of heartbreak, with Markram’s redemptive 136 and a lion-hearted skipper Temba Bavuma ending a 27 year drought for an ICC trophy; Kagiso Rabada’s 9 wickets in both innings sealed the triumph in a year of breaking trophy droughts
• Bedingham’s Calm Finish: David Bedingham’s unbeaten 21 steadied the chase as South Africa crossed the line once Verreynne was dismissed.

A dismal show with the bat from the Proteas have given Australia a healthy 74-run lead going into the second innings of the ongoing World Test Championship Final clash. The fact that they were way behind the race this early did not seem to bother the South African speedster Kagiso Rabada. During the second Australian innings, Rabada once again managed to get the better of Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green, very reminiscent of the way he did in the first innings. In fact, what was more fascinating to see was the way the two batters were removed almost instantly in quick succession. 

During the 11th over, Rababa ran riot at the Aussie batters and drew the first blood by having Khawaja nick to Kyle Verreynne behind the stumps. The wheels were set in motion as only a couple of balls later, Green followed suit and got out exactly the same way he did in the first innings. Being tentative with his footwork, Green poked hard, and the ball flew off his outside edge and into the hands of Mulder at second slip. 

See also: [WATCH] WTC Final 2025: Kyle Verreynne takes stunning one-handed catch down leg side to dismiss Travis Head in SA vs AUS

Watch the double-blow carnage unfold:

Wait… this isn’t a replay of the first innings? 👀#KagisoRabada strikes twice in an over again, removing #UsmanKhawaja and #CameronGreen in quick succession! 💪🏻

Is this the spark 🇿🇦 needed to ignite a comeback in the #WTCFinal?

LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/w3cUVnQ8YL#SAvAUS |… pic.twitter.com/xCEE57q3DU

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 12, 2025

The double-blow from Rabada in that over may have given South Africa a spark and perhaps a glimmer of hope to make a comeback of sorts. But despite that early wobble, Australia are well and truly in the driver's seat and lead by a mammoth 117 runs at the time of writing. South Africa will certainly rue the fact that their batters failed to cash in after the lunch interval and disintegrated rather quickly to give Australia a massive advantage. But all their hopes are now pinned on Rabada as he seems to be the one who is doing all the hard work to keep South Africa's WTC aspirations alive.

Test cricket has traditionally been associated with South Africa, and South Africa has produced some of the world's greatest bowlers. Over the years, South Africa has built up a reputation for producing fast, aggressive pacers, as well as artists or craftsmen in spin who have won their country's matches. The legacy created is a result of South Africa's history as a country and as a cricketing nation, where bowling initiation and development has been the country's focus as an ex-colonized nation with a jailbird past that taught them the importance of bowling excellence for victory.

As we delve into the list of South Africa’s top five wicket-takers in Test history, each name stands out not only for their impressive statistics but also for the impact they had on the game. These bowlers have been instrumental in scripting many of South Africa's memorable Test victories, both at home and abroad. Known for their consistency, aggression, and ability to thrive under pressure, they have often turned the tide in crucial moments. Their contributions have solidified South Africa’s status as a formidable force in international Test cricket.

5. Allan Donald – 330 wickets

Former Proteas right-arm fast bowler Allan Donald ended his Test career with 330 wickets in 72 matches with an average of 22.25. He recorded 20 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls, including his best bowling figures in an innings of 8/71 and best bowling figures in a match of 12/139.

4. Kagiso Rabada – 332 wickets

The right-arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is one of the modern-day greats among fast bowlers. Till the end of the first innings of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s, he has already recorded 332 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 21.82. The fourth most Test wicket-taker for South Africa, Rabada, has recorded 17 fifers and four ten-wicket hauls. His best bowling figures in an innings were 7/112, and his best bowling figures in a match were 13/144. He is one of the three South African bowlers to record 13 wickets in a Test match.

See Also: MLC 2025: Dates, Venues, Teams, Live Streaming details and Everything you need to know

3. Makhaya Ntini – 390 wickets

Former right-arm fast bowler Makhaya Ntini is the third leading wicket-taker in South African Test cricket history with 390 wickets in 101 matches with an average of 28.82. He recorded 18 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls in his Test career, including the best bowling figures record by a South African in a Test match – 13/132 vs West Indies in the 2005 Port of Spain Test. Meanwhile, Ntini’s best bowling figures record in a Test innings was 7/37.

2. Shaun Pollock – 421 wickets

Former South African fast bowling all-rounder and captain Shaun Pollock was the first South African to record 400 Test wickets. He retired from Test cricket after picking up 421 wickets in 108 Tests with an average of 23.11. The right-arm fast bowler recorded 16 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul (best bowling figures in an innings: 7/87; best bowling figures in a match: 10/147).

1. Dale Steyn – 439 wickets

Former right-arm fast bowler Dale Steyn was one of the most popular fast bowlers in world cricket. Steyn holds the record for the most Test wickets by a South African with 439 wickets in 93 Test matches with an average of 22.95. Steyn recorded 26 five-wicket hauls and five ten-wicket hauls in his Test career, including his best bowling figures in an innings of 7/51 and best bowling figures in a match of 11/60. 

Day one of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s had everything swing, wickets, and tension as 14 wickets tumbled in a gripping day of Test cricket. Australia were bowled out for just 212, with South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada leading the charge with a brilliant five-wicket haul.

Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) steadied Australia after they were reduced to 67/4, stitching together a crucial 79-run stand. But once that partnership was broken, the Aussie lower order collapsed, losing the last five wickets for only 18 runs. Rabada, playing his first match since serving a short ban, was at his fiery best and passed the great Allan Donald to become South Africa’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test history.

South Africa, however, couldn’t capitalise with the bat. Under the evening sun, Mitchell Starc bowled a beauty to dismiss Markram for a duck, while Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder followed soon after. Captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood joined the party as South Africa crumbled to 35/4 by stumps.

Earlier in the day, Rabada removed Khawaja with a peach of a delivery before striking again in the same over to send back Green. Labuschagne and Head also fell cheaply, with Jansen and Verreynne combining to remove them. Smith looked composed and in good touch, but a risky shot off part-time spinner Markram cost him his wicket just when he looked set for a century. Webster followed not long after, edging Rabada to the slips.

Though Australia’s batting stumbled, their pace bowlers brought them right back into the contest. With South Africa four down and two new batters at the crease, day two is set up perfectly for another cracking chapter in this Test final.

ALSO READ: AUS vs WI: West Indies name Test squad for Australia tour with new captain at Helm

Fans reactions after 14 wickets fell on Day 1 of WTC Final between South Africa and Australia

- 78.4 Overs.
- 255 Runs.
- 14 Wickets.
- Australia 212/10.
- South Africa - 43/4.
- Five wickets haul by Kagiso Rabada.
- Peach of spells by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
- Solid fifties by Smith & Webster.

WTC Final is peaking on Day 1 already.#AUSvsSA #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/qiNdMYsa4o

— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) June 11, 2025

14 wickets fell on the first day, imagine if this was played on th3 subcontinent pitches pic.twitter.com/qp0LdAEFXr

— aftab (@aftabsays_) June 11, 2025

South Africa really messed it up well and surely no way they are coming back from here if they do it’s absolutely soul wrenching to watch an absolute cinema !!! #WTC2O25Final #AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/VXABDWYwNP

— J (@butterchicken96) June 11, 2025

WTC Final | Day 1 Stumps

An excellent day of cricket.
Day 1 of the WTC Final between South Africa & Australia did not disappoint!😃🤯

Rabada and Jansen ripped through the Australian batsmen with ball in hand, as the former finished with figures of 5/51. Proteas went in to bat… pic.twitter.com/YsO7IAvgmL

— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) June 11, 2025

Disaster Strikes for South Africa! 😱

Day 1 ends with the Proteas reeling at 43/4, still trailing by 169 runs in the WTC Final 2025.

The Australian pacers unleashed relentless aggression, turning the grand finale at Lord’s into a horror show for South Africa.

Sheer dominance… pic.twitter.com/EHa4lw9w1n

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 11, 2025

STUMPS - Day 1 🇿🇦🏏🇦🇺

14 wickets on the first day!

Proteas end the day reeling on 43/4 (22 overs) trailing by 169 runs.

Mitchell Starc dismissed openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickleton, solitary strikes by Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins. #Proteas #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/FvUfWtws0m

— Ayanda Nyuswa (@atnyuswa) June 11, 2025

𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟏: 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐒! 🏏

South Africa finishes Day 1 at 43/4, still trailing by 169 runs at Lord’s. 🇿🇦🤍

Mitchell Starc shines with two key wickets for Australia! 🇦🇺🔥#AUSvSA #WTCFinal #MitchellStarc pic.twitter.com/JEDxqZ7Nee

— Root Jaiswal (@JaiswalRoot) June 11, 2025

Lovely day of test cricket but just imagine the moaning from english and Australia journalists if 14 wickets fell on Day 1 of a WTC Final in India

— Meet (@raut_meeet) June 11, 2025

Lord's, London, June 11, 2025 – South Africa opted to bowl first in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's and created early marks, but Australia responded to level the game and manage 212/10. South Africa, in turn, battled against Australia's pace attack and closed Day 1 at 43/4, 169 runs behind. The day featured powerful bowling performances and crucial wickets, and it looks like the match will be a thrilling one.

Australia Innings

Australia was restricted to 212/10 in 56.4 overs following a difficult day against South Africa's pace-oriented attack. Beau Webster top-scored with a gritty 72 off 92 balls, holding the innings together, and Steve Smith made a gritty 66 off 112. Their 79-run fifth-wicket partnership was the standout, but South Africa's bowling unit hit back, led by Kagiso Rabada, who took 5/51 in 15.4 overs, with the early wickets of Usman Khawaja (0) and Cameron Green (4). Marco Jansen backed up with 3/49, picking up Smith through a fabulous reflex catch off Aiden Markram's bowling (1/5). South Africa's tight bowling in the absence of a late charge by Alex Carey (23 off 31) meant that Australia's innings was brought to a quick end, with the final five wickets coming down for 22 runs.

South Africa Innings

South Africa reached 43/4 in 22 overs, falling behind by 169 runs at stumps. The innings began on a poor note as Aiden Markram was dismissed by Mitchell Starc off the first over for a six-ball zero, and then Ryan Rickelton for 16 off 23, caught behind slips. Wiaan Mulder was dismissed for 6 off 44 off Pat Cummins, and Tristan Stubbs for 2 off 13 before being struck by Josh Hazlewood. David Bedingham (8* off 9) and Temba Bavuma (3* off 37) played anchor, but Australia's bowlers, headed by Starc (2/10) and ably aided by Hazlewood (1/10) and Cummins (1/14), maintained the pressure. South Africa's top order struggled in front of the swinging ball, and they have a difficult task on Day 2.

Also Read: WATCH: Mitchell Starc's ripper gets Aiden Markram for duck in SA vs AUS WTC Final

SA vs AUS, WTC Final 2025 – Day 1 Match Scorecard 

Australia – 212/10 (56.4 Overs)

South Africa – 43/4 (22 Overs)

Kagiso Rabada has broken multiple records with a five-wicket haul against Australia in the World Test Championship finale at the iconic Lord’s. The South African international started the day with back-to-back wickets of Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green. Towards the end of the first innings, Rabada dismissed Beau Webster, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc to complete his five-wicket haul, and with that, he cemented his spot in the Lord’s honours board.

Rabada surpasses Allan Donald in elite list

With a five-wicket haul, Rabada now stands fourth on the list of most wickets by a South African international in Test cricket history. He surpassed Allan Doland on the list. After the innings, Rabada spoke on the achievement, stating that the records are good, but his primary job is to keep running and bowl well for the team.

“That's all secondary (climbing the wicket-takers list for SA). The primary is to keep running in and doing the job. Means a lot to get past Allan Donald, what a legend,” Rabada said.

Most wickets for South Africa in Tests:

ALSO SEE: WATCH: AB de Villiers appreciates heartfelt gesture from Marnus Labuschagne

Rabada equalled Jasprit Bumrah’s record in WTC history

With the five-wicket haul, Rabada now equalled Jasprit Bumrah’s record of most wickets in WTC history. Both the modern-day legends have 156 wickets to their name in the competition. Nathan Lyon tops the charts with 210 wickets, while Pat Cummins, R Ashwin, and Mitchell Starc stand second, third, and fourth with 200, 195, and 171 scalps to their name, respectively.

Most wickets in WTC history:

Fans reaction on X(Twitter):

this is greatness, this is kagiso rabada 🐐💪❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/e3E44QQUYg

— rishi (@rishi__w) June 11, 2025

Two more and we're on the honours board!

The Great Kagiso Rabada
🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/OvLiUFQa52

— Jay Mngomezulu (@Jay_Mzulu) June 11, 2025

Kagiso Rabada

with cocaine without cocaine pic.twitter.com/B0Q8u2PSb2

— Avani Gupta (@cricketizlife) June 11, 2025

Khao, pio aur agay barho!

The story of Kagiso Rabada today 🔥#WTC25 #Rabada pic.twitter.com/gyyEiqffCD

— Ameer Hamza Asif (@AmeerHamzaAsif) June 11, 2025

She was right when she said “we have Kagiso Rabada” pic.twitter.com/ywu4Esn4Ml

— Saebeee… (@think___strong) June 11, 2025

Great spell from Kagiso Rabada 👏 #WTC2O25Final pic.twitter.com/NyP4djiSME

— Crazy Cricket Memes (@CrazyCricMemes) June 11, 2025

When the lights are brightest,
Pressure is highest,
Crowds are the loudest,
The best will arrive,
The strongest will survive,
The greatest will thrive,

The Kagiso Rabada,
Man of big matches! pic.twitter.com/Foe5hNjGzE

— Dhruv (@I_m_dhruv_) June 11, 2025

Kagiso Rabada is inevitable 🔥 🔥 🔥 🇿🇦 🏏 pic.twitter.com/yfKEoP1xhr

— UtianⒼ (@UtianG) June 11, 2025

No hype like Starc and Cummins
Not aggressive like Siraj
No Football tag like Boult

That's KAGISO RABADA for you! pic.twitter.com/92vivPhGwk

— Parv 🇿🇦 (@ParvCryEmoji) June 11, 2025

[YOU BEAUTY] Kagiso Rabada rips through the lineup with a brilliant fifer on the biggest stage! 💪🇿🇦

VISIT https://t.co/yD3iLtfZ3U and Follow us on X @DameConcepts_SA Sports 🏏 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Q4RejcPoUz

— DameConcepts Sports Agency (@DameConcepts_SA) June 11, 2025

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. Removing 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.

Watch the video here

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.

Australia are all set to take on South Africa in the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final at Lord's, London. The match will begin on Wednesday, June 11 (IST) at 3:00 PM IST. The toss will take place at 2:30 PM IST.

Under the leadership of Pat Cummins, Australia will aim to defend the WTC title, which they won by beating India in the previous final held at The Oval in June 2023. South Africa, on the other hand, will try to overcome their reputation as international cricket's regular chokers when they face the defending champions.

Even though they have some of the best players in the game, South Africa have won only one major tournament in the last 27 years. In their journey to the WTC final, they won just one of their first five Tests but stayed unbeaten in the next seven.

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

Ahead of the high-octane finale between South Africa and Australia, the big question is whether the Aussies will use their intense sledging strategy against the Proteas’ pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada. Rabada was suspended mid-IPL 2025 after testing positive for a recreational drug, reportedly cocaine. He had taken it in South Africa and then returned home during the IPL, before issuing a statement apologising for setting the wrong example. Rabada later came back for the remainder of the IPL. However, the WTC final will be his first Test in South African whites since that drug controversy.

Since the 2018 Sandpaper-Gate incident in South Africa, which led to a one-year ban for Steve Smith and David Warner, and after Tim Paine's retirement, Australia under Cummins has made a clear effort to avoid sledging. Besides that, when some presenters tried to mock Rabada during the press conference, trying to be funny while Cummins was present, he understood the intention behind the question and started laughing. He then smiled and asked the reporters to move on to the next question.

The Grade Cricketer - unfiltered. 😄pic.twitter.com/qprtLLsz5a

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 11, 2025

Earlier, Australia captain Pat Cummins said that his team would not target Kagiso Rabada in the upcoming WTC final. The Australian fast bowler dismissed the rumours and clearly stated that "it’s not their style." He also said he would be surprised if Rabada is targeted by his teammates over the drug ban.

“It’s not really our style. I’d be surprised if that came up,” said Cummins.

Not only from the opponent cricketers, Kagiso Rabada may have to face some tough words from the Lord's gallery as well, a warning from former South Africa international Daryll Cullinan. South Africa, on a hunt for their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) title, has to rely on their experienced first bowler, Kagiso Rabada.

The 30-year-old's blowing performances have so far been overshadowed by the drug ban issue. Before the most important Test match at Lord's, England, Australia skipper Pat Cummins said that sledging someone over a drug ban issue is not their cup of tea. "It’s not really our style," Cummins told The Guardian when asked about whether Australians will sledge Rabada.

Despite this comment from Cummins, Cullinan has different thoughts. According to the former cricketer, not only from the Australian players, the Protean pacer may have to face sledging from the crowds as well. Cape Town-born Cullinan believed that Rabada could handle the situation and pull out his best to capture a historic moment. 

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Can be a double hurdle for Rabada

"Unfortunately, Rabada is going to deal with, for the rest of his career, comments being made relating to off-the-field matters, not only on the field but also by spectators. Only he can deal with it. The best would be just to take wickets. That'll settle that side of things too, but I think it'd be naive to think that comments won't be made and his attention brought to it, but it's going to be something that he's going to have to live with for the rest of his career, even if he's taking wickets," Cullinan said in an interview. 

"I think he'll be fine with it, but I don't think any cricketer or person would like to be in a working environment and be reminded about their indiscretions, so he's going to have to live with it. As I said, good performances will go a long way to putting that to bed, but as long as he's playing cricket, he'll always be reminded of it."